I recommending starting to play the BP podcasts while you're in the car and you'll accidentally learn a ton. :)

However, I use them wisely and play the zero interest games, not 20%!

In my mind I think it is better making a deal if it work for both parties not just to "play the game"  and get the lowest number out of them. 

It is hard to play the REI game at 80%+ -- the chance of losing your shirt on a deal is substantial.I'm sure in a market where inventory moves so quickly and homes can sell above list price, it might be easy to get emotional about the deals.

If a new prospect calls and the phone isn't answered, you're very unlikely to ever get them as a tenant.Valuation: This is a pure income play. The

In the past I've always been amazed at how much better the lenders can do once they are challenged by the competition (re: rates, loan orig. fees, etc.) but I hate having to play the game each time.

I would not jump through hoops in order to play the bank's game.

I'm not looking to get rich quick, although I still play the lotto occassionally, but I am looking for some realistic advice on how to get my toe in the door and start working toward my two goals.Thanks to everyone in advance for any advice, tidbits or willingness to sit down and have a cup of coffee and share your knowledge.

On the other hand, if you bought that house with only 3.5% down and it was producing negative cash flow, you'd be in the house of pain at that point with few exit strategies other than to foreclose or shell out money every month out of your paycheck if you were able ...So, leverage can be very good or it can be very bad for you ... if you play things conservatively to guard yourself from the downside risk, then sensible leverage can be a very good tool for a skilled investor to utilize.

The funny thing I learned about the average labor person in Mass, you know, the husky dudes wearing flannel, is that they would prefer to sit in their basement smoking pot all day or hanging out at their basement bar with their buddies bitching about having no work and playing video games or still thinking the crappy band they are in is cool because they get to play the local PNA or Elk's lodge once every few months.