Dear Newbies...

[Hattie Dizmond]

First, there are NO stupid questions...really there aren't.  I have questions every single day.

Second, the entire BP community is here to help you.

However...

You're going to get much better responses and much more willing "mentoring" if you do a couple of things first...

1.  Use the search box in the upper right hand corner and search for your topic, before you ask.  The search results can be a little difficult to work through, but at least try.  It's annoying when your first post is to ask a question that already has 100 answers posted, if you would simply look.

2.  Please introduce yourself in the New Member Introduction section.

3.  Read the FREE Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing.  It's FREE.  And, it will answer a great number of the basic questions.  I'll even provide you with the link...

http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing

4.  There are other FREE guides to specific elements.  You can find them at the same link.

I love answering honest questions and reading the answers from the geniuses on BP that I consider my informal mentors.  However, it's annoying and discouraging to see those same people, who give so willingly of themselves and their experience, spending their time answering questions simply because people are not willing to do a little investigation or put forth a little effort on their own.  Yes.  It's easier to just ask, but it won't gain you anything.  Look for the answers, then - when you have questions about what you read, which you inevitable will - ask questions to clarify what you've read.