Talk is cheap - look at his credentials before investing in a mentor.Be smart about what you do and who you work with - you can look at listed real estate but your best deal is going to come from dealing directly with sellers.Also remember creative financing techniques - nothing down deals - Control and Roll System - Delayed Settlements - Hybrid offers - and don't forget owner assisted financing and make sure you always ask for a principal mortgage.Have fun - make full disclosures and make sure you understand the laws related to mortgage foreclosures - fail to do this and you may have a paid vacation to the Gray Bar Motel (a nice little room with one small window and the food is free, but the space is restricted).Remember your goal should be CASH FLOW or EQUITY - forget the emotional appeal - it is all about numbers - understand them and you'll do well in Charm City.Charles Parrish

@Jason Gray@Denzel Stovall

Hi TJ Gray .I'm currently looking to get into acquiring single family dwellings to hold as rental properties but plan to expand to flips in the future.

I understand that the more we clarify the mechanics in the beginning the less gray area we will face in the future.  

And the HOA lost; the purple swingset stays:http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/08/31/judge-rules-m...I bet the uptight a-holes who rejected the family's offer to settle by painting the swingset gray are regretting it now.  

From your kind answers I see that the answer is rather gray because it depends on several factors.Thanks to all for sharing your invaluable experience.

Brandon and Josh have provided gray advise.

In Cincinnati, I hope you're OK with 4-5 months/year of cold, gray skies, and dead outdoor plant life.  

For Phase 2, consider painting the concrete on the entry floor and step a dark gray with concrete paint.

Here in Grays Harbor county properties are being snatched up left and right by eager home buyers as soon as they are listed.