How to get started as a buy and hold investor

[Matt Anton]

Hello folks,

My name is Matt and I have been interested in real estate for many years. I even worked as a licensed Realtor in PA for a couple years in my mid-twenties. I'm now a CO lifer and can't believe the market in the metro areas of the CO front range. It is time for me to take the equity in my home, or some IRA $, and buy my first rental property so that I can start my RE portfolio.

What I have a hard time rapping my head around is finding a property in this super hot market with #'s that work out.  I've scoured the foreclosure listings for my county, and other online sources, and don't seem to get how to turn these listings into offers and ultimately close a deal.  What system can I use, instead of inventing my own, to organize myself to get to the closing table?    

If there is anyone out there who would be willing to mentor me, or just give me some guidance, so I can get from analysis paralysis to a closed deal, I would really appreciate it.  I understand the basics, have read countless books and blogs, but just can't seem to get past myself to get going. 

Thanks for reading!  

Matt