Help!!!! Brand Newbie! Where do I begin??

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Hello to All,

This is my very first post here. I have to say that I haven't started anything yet as far as investing in Real Estate. But becoming a Real Estate Investor is my dream for a long time. I've always allowed my financial situation to hold me back. But I have now decided to take control of my situation and to not just let my life pass me by.

Here's my Situation:

Some time ago, I ordered Carleton Sheets infomercial program and was soooo excited when I received it. I read through it, followed the steps and became so discouraged. I didn't know what they were talking about because I didn't understand most of the RE terms being used in the course. I just couldn't follow it. So I set it aside, went to another RE guru's seminar. I ordered his course and BAM!! The same thing. So disappointing. Neither one really explained anything, in simple terms, that is. Because I knew nothing at all about real estate. They made it sound like it would be so simple to just follow their easy step-by-step course, without any formal training or knowledge of the real estate market. I was only fooling myself by believing that I could become successuful overnight (without knowing a thing at all about real estate investing and how it all works).

I'm asking you, where should I begin my journey? I know very little about investing in real estate. And I mean very little. I've been reading everything I can find on the internet about investing. It's still gets quite confusing to me sometimes. That's how I came across this forum and I've been reading everything here, even though I'm not quite understanding a lot of what's being said. But that's ok. I know that the more I study, the more I will learn.

I have no idea what area of real estate I would like to get into. I come across so many real estate sites that offer courses on investing, etc., but I don't have money to waste on those things right now. I'm trying to save all the extra money I can for investment opportunities once I get started.

But for now, where should I begin to learn about real estate? I want to know the market really well before I jump into it. Are there certain books (for beginners) that I could buy to get me started? Any suggestions? I need to start with "baby books". Assuming I know nothing at all about real estate.

Is there anything that I should be doing right now to prepare myself? I really need help. And I have surfed the internet and found some useful information, but have also become overwhelmed. Information overload. I really don't know where to start. I have so many questions.

Also, my credit is not good at all and I don't have the finances to invest at this time. But I am building a little nest egg. So while my nest grows, I would like to take this time to learn everything I can about this business, inside and out. And also work on re-building my credit.

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Any books, dvd's, cd's, or anything for beginners that I can get started with? Remember, I need to take baby steps right now. :D

Sorry for the long post. :lol:

Sincerely