Starting with the moment a seller calls and is interested in selling their house.I know there are plently of scenerios, but I'm looking for what the average, smooth deal would go like.

Real Estate seemed liked a good transition for me since I became familier with it back in 1996 by doing skip traces for several Real Estate Companies in Atlanta, Ga.

I'm a bit of a people person and I'm working on the transition to the foot down type person.

No wonder we are in a RE meltdown.Too many people are trying(& buying) that have NO money.Bad things happen guys.You need cash to smooth out the unexpected.2.I'm guessing 99% of the people here own NO RE.I have read only a few posters who i'm sure have real world experience3.Too many people jumping into RE blind.4.People who buy books,cd's,dvds & attend seminars are idiots.A few final thoughts...Bad things happen.You WILL buy a property with a HUGE unexpected problem.Plan for it.You will have a renter smear feces on the wall the day before eviction.You are the ENEMY in almost every tenants eyes.

I will be "transitioning" out of the USN after 20 years.

I had a fire in a 6 family, 6 months down time - everything was covered - nice and smooth and no hassles.

I'm also a professional poker player who's transitioning into buying real estate rentals.

The Obama effect is real and widespread and when key members of his transition team talk about him ruling when he takes office instead of governing, the effect intensifies.

Surely, a property needs sufficient cash flow to cover expenses, debt service, etc. in order to run smoothly.

Very smooth sailing for me.