What to look for when purchasing potential investment real estate?

[Michael Dombrowski]

Hello all,

My name is Michael and I would like to own a REI within two years.

What are some of the trick successful people as yourself seek when looking for cash flow positive properties? It is all in the negotiating? When I view current prices of potential properties I would like to buy, I dont see how I could be cash flow positive unless I could negotiate a deal. Is their an easier way to locate properties that are cash flow positive that are foreclosures?

Can I have some beginner tips? Please make note that my mother currently inherited a 4 family rental unit 10 years ago from my grandma and great uncle. So in helping her, I have seen some of the head aches that can occur while operating a business. She was lucky to inherit without a mortgage.