The best way to find credible lenders, who understand real estate and lending in your area, is to attend a few local real estate clubs.

I think it will be a good solid long term property and it is a great location for me personally (5 minutes from my house, 15 minutes from where my kids attend school, and walking distance to my favorite Mexican restaurant).I have been able to trim operating expenses over $250 per month so far and think I'll potentially be able to trim them another $200 or so per month within the next month or so.

Don’t get me wrong – I like sports, but watching TV or attending games all weekend won’t make you a successful real estate investor.

Please let me know when you get one scheduled in Manteca, I would love to attend.

Do any of you guys attend any local REIAs?

I attended a class in which I was going to invest $25,000.00 (I know very, very, very silly) to learn all about the ins and outs of REI and was given a software by mistake that can generate all Cash Buyers, Pre-foreclosures and Foreclosures in ALL AREAS/STATES!!! 

Go to meetup.com and look for local meetups that you can attend nightly and take flyers to advertise your properties until you get them assigned.

I can't help you regarding financing for a land lot acquisition - perhaps you should attend one of the local REIA's and present it at one of their monthly meetings.

Every one of these that I have been to has been a flip (I understand they have had some that have not been flips but i did not attend those) and I have learned something at each one and I would have learned more if I was flipper. 

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.