Michael,
Fred is correct, educate yourself fully until you feel comfortable taking action. One thing that helped me take action was to decide on a marketing plan. A small one to begin with, with me doing all the work. Later when you're rich and famous you can hire it out. I started by getting a list of preforeclosure sellers from a financial paper in my area, and started sending them letters every week, only about 30 a week so the cost was low. I would get a few calls back, and it gave me a chance to make appointments and learn about the process form the trenches. I was worried at first, but found out that most people view you as a good guy who is there to help solve their problem - of course they don't trust you at first. But they aren't usually hostile to me because I go in as a helper, not aggressive.
Another start-up action is to send emails and/or call landlords from signs and on Craigslist. Try to avoid agents and just ask if they would be interested in selling their house or condo on a lease purchase or contract for deed basis. Most are, but not all are motivated enough to sell for a dsicount. It's good learning practice to talk to these people and see if you can make a deal. You can always back out at any time, so you can just consider it practicing, until you actually want to bring out the paperwork and make a real offer.
As others have said, join a REI club. Pick a farm area and go to all the open houses and see all the houses you can in that area. All relatively free stuff here. Then start marketing to your farm, sending them letters or cards every few months. Knock on doors, leave flyers. Get an agent to invest time with you. Get your forms together so you will feel organized and comfortable with making offers. We can help with this, so ask questions all you want. Good luck! Mike
