Getting Started In SE Michigan

[Lorenzo Spurrier]

Hi, I'm a licensed Realtor/Builder in SE Michigan.  I have been in Real Estate sales for going on 5 years now.  The money is great, however, the work doesn't fulfill me at the end of the day.  I'd like to get into Real Estate investing and do residential redevelopment.  I have a few years of experience in manual labor.  I've done complete remodeling of kitchen/baths along with rough carpentry/roofing.  I have the tools, experience, education, and finances to move forward I just don't know how everyone is finding these off-market properties that turn a 10% profit at least.  It seems as if every deal I've analyzed from a number standpoint is a total loss or will result in breaking even.  What are some methods you successful investors are using to acquire and execute these transactions and turn a profit?