What is really important?

[Eric James]

As I continue learning about REI, what I'm thinking more and more is that what is maybe the single biggest factor in profitable investing is given surprisingy little attention. What seems of utmost importance is reflected in the old saying 'You make your money when you buy'.

There is a lot of time, attention, and discussion of strategies, financing, renovation, managing RE etc. on BP. Of course all those things have their place. However, I'm thinking that every hour spent finding good deals is worth hundreds of hours spent afterward on all other aspects of RE investing. If one can buy good-to-great deals (e.g. 60% of market value) then you almost have to try to lose money to not do well. I'm wondering why there isn't a lot more focus on how to find deals. Am I off base?