Get Organized And Setting Up Shop
As a beginning investor, there are things you need to do to get yourself organized.

Making A Space To Work
Start by setting aside a space in your home for working, for doing deals, and conducting your business. It is important if possible that your work space be secluded enough that you will not be disturbed by other family members while working, studying, or on the telephone with important contacts and sellers.

Your workspace should at least consist of a table to write on and a telephone. The phone should also have call waiting and either an answering machine or voice mail system.

By setting up a space in your home for doing business you will feel more professional and dedicated.

Tools Of The Trade

As a real estate investor, there are certain "tools of the trade" you must have.

Get A Daily Planner
First, get a daily planner and use it. The most important tool you can have as a real estate investor is a daily planner so you can keep track of who you need to call, along with people's phone numbers. You can also put a to-do list in your planner.

Cell Phone
The next most important thing an investor needs is a cell phone. A cell phone can instantly put you in contact with real estate agents and sellers while you are at a property. It will also allow agents, sellers, other investors, and also homebuyers to easily contact you no matter where you are. You don't want to miss that million-dollar phone call from a seller with the deal of a lifetime.

A Fax Program on Your Phone - Scanner Is A Must
You are also going to need a Fax Program on Your Phone - Scanner because you will be faxing things back and fourth to your title company and real estate agents and maybe even other investors.

If you have a computer you can get fax software to use with a scanner. However, we highly recommend that you get a dedicated fax machine on a dedicated phone line that does not require you to flip a switch or turn it on for it to receive faxes while you are out. A dedicated phone line will only cost you about $10 or $15 a month or you can get a phone line switch that will automatically switch the phone line over to your fax machine when the switch detects an incoming fax.

A Filing Cabinet
You should also have a filing cabinet to store important documents and files that is dedicated to your investing endeavors. You may not need one right away but once you start looking for deals, you'll find yourself needing a way to keep all your papers organized.

Digital Cameras - Smart Phone
A digital camera can also be very handy.
If you are tracking down vacant houses or dealing with "for sale buy owners", a digital camera is a necessity. One of the most effective ways to get deals is by following up with a seller two or three months down the road. You are going to need that picture so you can remember the property and the physical condition it was in.

Street Map (I know it is old fashioned)
A street map is also a must for any real estate investor. It is best to have one that is a book rather than a large foldout sheet. The book style maps are much easier to handle when you are in your car. A Wall Map for your office with zip copdes is great too.

Personal Computer - Smart Phone
Finally, if you do not have a personal computer - smart phone, you should seriously consider getting one. They can be very handy for drawing up agreements and tracking your leads. There are also a ton of resources at