Is it possible for a first-time home-buyer such as myself to assimilate all of the information from books/Internet research/television programs, maybe some phone calls from a realtor relative, but not go with a real estate agent?

They seem to have a "division" who combs the internet for negative press.Sounds like the Church of Scientology.

Interesting post, there are many treasures out there and not always the easiest to find just by doing searches on the internet (although I found biggerpockets that way which I have really come to like a lot).

My background now is solely on IT/new media/internet (which I know I could use for my advantage since I haven't seen a decent listing site thus far :) ) and not so much in property/construction.I'd really like to know what some of the other guys that have "made it", or perhaps steps you'd take differently as a younger guy starting out with a bundle of cash like that.

I post articles all over the place on the internet and it is VERY effective.I mainly post on ezinearticles.com now because it is the most effective.I also post articles on prweb and that generates good traffic but that does cost.Don't put the same article on all the article sites.

what leads from MLS expired listings, For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) leads, foreclosures leads, Internet generated leads, sign call leads, have done for you business?

I am really a fat, old, gray haired guy; but, that fella looked good - so I decided to be him for the internet (just kidding.. it really is me).

Internet makes things much easier nowadays.

I read alot of books and did alot of research on the internet.

And I fear most of the deals are not on the internet...