A few months ago, we took a look at a few small-cap stock ideas for your portfolio in our article, "Bat Like Babe Ruth." We contended that swatting a few home runs in your portfolio could have a greater impact on your performance than your batting average, and we culled the universe of stocks with market capitalizations under $2 billion to

find potential home-run hitting ideas.

On Feb. 28, we highlighted James River Coal (JRCC Sponsored by:

JRCC), Angiotech Pharmaceuticals (ANPI Sponsored by: ANPI), and Cheniere Energy (LNG Sponsored by: LNG) as three stocks that we thought had home run potential. Two of these three stocks have produced spectacular performance since then, with James River and Cheniere rising 64.6, respectively, through May 9. The third stock, Angiotech, increased just 0.9, easily outperforming the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500, which finished up 5.6, respectively.

However, it is important to note that we are looking back on a very short time horizon of just over two months. Small-cap stocks tend to be volatile, and we wouldn't be surprised to see significant fluctuations in the prices of these stocks. We could still end up striking out with one or more of these stocks (our first three recommendations all have above average risk ratings), but a substantial rise in just one could very well lead to superior

investment returns. We continue to see further upside in all three stocks, but would note that Cheniere is now trading above our "Consider Buying" price.

With that in mind, we'd like to offer up a few more small-cap ideas that could also turn out to be home runs. In contrast to the above- average risk of the stocks we mentioned last time, these three investment ideas are considered average risk, so we require a smaller discount to our fair value estimate before we would consider investing in them.

Author's website are http://www.quicksalefast.com and http://sellhousefast.blogspot.com

I'll let Lane cover the best time to look.

Investment properties require a much different mindset than do primary homes. On a primary home, there is an emotional component to the purchase. Specifically - "Am I going to be able to call this a 'Home'?"

On an investment property, you must take out the emotional component. It's all about the numbers.

With that said, come up with an outline of what you want to do. Talk with a lender to see what you can be prequalified for and what that additional cost will be per month. You need to be comfortable with it. While you are coming up with your outline, talk with a good realtor that has experience with investors to help hone your outline into a plan of action.

In your research, you shouldn't have to think -- can I afford this property. You will already know that based on your meeting with the lender.

Your primary decision should be -- can I get my target rent out of this property? Will my expenses be in-line with my plan?

Short answer - talk with a lender very early in the process.

Timing is always a toughie. On one hand, it is always good to know the market. Whether you are looking for a personal home, or an investment property, you need to know what homes in your target areas are worth when they come on the market. That is the only way to spot the ones that are well priced for your needs.

Starting too much before you have the other pieces in place can be very detrimental. If you haven't looked at financing, and you start looking at homes in the wrong price range, may find that qualified properties are underwhelming... or overwhelming.

Starting too late, especially with a personal property, might mean that you don't have enough time to really feel the market, or wait for the right property. Usually investors have a more flexible attitude about when they can look. It isn't a need, but rather an investment, so they can take the time to do it right.

I would say that in the case of an investor, it isn't ever really too early to look, after you figure out what you are in the market for. For personal purchases, figure out what you can buy, and then start looking 60-120 days before you wish to make a move. The more rigid you are in what you want to find, the longer your horizon needs to be.

Author personal website is http://www.quicksalefast.com and personal blog is http://sellhousefast.blogspot.com

The real benefit is time and security. You don't have to wait for a buyer to secure financing, and they don't have to worry about a mortgage contingency - or that the deal will fall through b/c of financing. It's still relatively easy for buyers to find affordable financing, and most sellers aren't looking to move within days/weeks.You're more likely to get a discount b/c of competition, recent prices, DOM, etc.

On a side note, I'm sure you have your reasons, but why pay cash when it's still relatively easy to get a return higher than your interest rate?

Not to try to be a financial advisor or anything but once you get your new home with cash, you may consider a small cash-out loan. While the rate may be a little higher than what you'd find on a 30 year fixed, the payments could help you restore a solid credit history. On the other hand, if you can afford to pay cash for the most expensive item most people will ever buy, who cares about your credit? Keep it bad, you'll be at a lower risk of identity theft and you probably don't get so many credit card junk mail offers every day!

you can read more realted article at http://www.quicksalefast.com

As was mentioned before, there are not a lot of negotiating advantages with going straight cash. You will still have a closing and instead of a loan officer handing them a check it will be you. There is not exact formula in making an offer on a property. Do your homework on the past sales, past appreciation, community, neighborhood, schools, and shopping.

Once you do your research, come up with an offer that you feel that will work for you. If he is selling for $170K and you have done your homework and feel that it is only worth $145K to you, and then offers that. You never know what the seller's motivation might be. He might need to sell right away to avoid foreclosure or just wants out. You never know what kind of deal you can get, until you try. I will go for a financial advisor. He would give some good recommendation for you.

There are good calculators in this site http://www.mtgprofessor.com/. Check the cash vs. mortgage calculator. Even if you have a bad credit still there are lot of ways to improve it. In states, to say money in mortgages or credit card or car loan etc you need to have a good credit scores.

Another option to get a loan is consult upfront mortgage brokers. They are honest in their fees and disclose them

As was mentioned before, there are not a lot of negotiating advantages with going straight cash. You will still have a closing and instead of a loan officer handing them a check it will be you. There is not exact formula in making an offer on a property. Do your homework on the past sales, past appreciation, community, neighborhood, schools, and shopping. Once you do your research, come up with an offer that you feel that will work for you. If he is selling for $170K and you have done your homework and feel that it is only worth $145K to you, and then offers that. You never know what the seller's motivation might be. He might need to sell right away to avoid foreclosure or just wants out. You never know what kind of deal you can get, until you try. I will go for a financial advisor. He would give some good recommendation for you.

There are good calculators in this site http://www.mtgprofessor.com/. Check the cash vs. mortgage calculator. Even if you have a bad credit still there are lot of ways to improve it. In states, to say money in mortgages or credit card or car loan etc you need to have a good credit scores.

Another option to get a loan is consult upfront mortgage brokers. They are honest in their fees and disclose them before you start working with them.

Robert Hudson is a Realtor in UK. Please visit his website Quick House Sale.