Where/how would you recommend  getting ideas for making such an investment for an amateur?

And that usually translates into better outcome and more money.If you broker your own deals, you have to disclose that to other parties, some deals will not allow you to get commission on your own deals, but here is IMO the main issue: keep in mind that you are knowingly hiring an amateur agent.

Amateurs Co by the  county figures.

The types of profits you made arent that of an amateur, regardless of the loss you took. 

Not only that, you sound like a real amateur even saying it and erode your credibility. 

To carry out a transaction that is in compliance with or meets those 3 "tests" you will need (as in must have) a good command or knowledge of basic real estate, creative structures are not amateur hour.I take a more advanced approach in Sub-To transactions (not bragging, just fact) that ensures lending compliance in situations where there is more than one loan or where there is more than one beneficiary entitled to principal, interest or payments.

Technomad, most investors are amateurs who think that the key is to buy any house and rent it and wait to make a zillion dollars through appreciation.

Most heirs are looking to get their money out, not carry a note, which is not for amateurs anyway.If there were a few heirs, and one of them had the wherewithal to do it it might be possible, but that would be outside the estate.all cash

This is what separates pros from amateurs.  

Perhaps my questions are going to be amateur and annoying because they are presented everyday, but any advice would be greatly appreciated.Well, I'm currently 25 and living in an apartment.