Also, based on the fact that I live in a higher priced market and now that you know my background, maybe some of you have some suggestions of what you think I might be good at or would possibly find some interest in.Sorry for the long post, but I am eager to start narrowing down the focus of my research and get moving.

However, it currently has a renter and the lease is good till early 2009; thus, that narrows down my prospective buyers to those looking for an investment rather than a home.I'm to the point where I would be happy to just sell to recoup my initial investment - I'll take a break-even point and all the lessons I've learned and be happy.

I too have a fear of starting out.I only have decided that I was going to do this about 2 months ago.I've done a lot of reading these past two months, and have worked a little in residential construction but I still have a lot of things I worry about.I've already lined up financing, got a real estate agent, and looked narrowed about 30 drive by's to 5 or 6 properties I've looked at and I'm pondering making an offer.The thing is these properties are not in the best areas.

YOU folks have kept me on the straight and narrow, and for that I am grateful.

It narrow's down you potential deals if you are looking at only duplexes.4.

One complication can be if the loan was resold it is not clear if the new buyer is open to a restructuring.The bill was also narrowed to apply only to loans already in place so no home loans made going forward.I can see both sides.

If you choose a broad label like investors, you'll find more people and as you narrow down to more specific, you'll obviously find less.

It seems like many investors with large piles of cash (read Wedgewood, Griffin, PGP, etc) are buying at narrower margins these days because they constantly have to place capital.

Tiles will be slippery when wet, stairs are very narrow and no handrails.

If I had your goals I would try and learn as much about the areas you are thinking of investing in and then narrow it down to one or two specific neighborhoods.