Any investor would like to get the best deal possible, so as to maximise returns on his investment. While each has his own priorities, there are some common elements in what an investor would consider a good deal. These are listed below:

• The property should be available for purchase below its market value - as far below as is possible. While there are different formulas to work out what the market value of a property and what the purchase price should be to an investor, these don't always apply. For example property in most of New York City is at a premium, sometimes double or triple (or even more) than what the rental amount can be over a specified period of time. The same may not be the case in San Francisco or Los Angeles. A remote property in the wilderness can sell at a massive discount or, if maintained well and properly marketed, command a hefty charge over and above its normal market value. Similarly, celebrity homes may have no relation to its intrinsic value. Investors who buy property based on a purchase price below its current market value are often referred to as fixer upper investors and are most likely to quickly turn the property around and sell it at a premium to what they purchased it for.

• What investors look for in deals when they intend to stay long term with the property is positive cash flow. They look for property where the rental income substantially exceeds the total expenses - actual and estimated.