Many people, know, for example, the story of how IBM initally tried to acquire an operating system from the PC from Digital Research, but were turned away and ended up getting one from Gates.

But, I am a voracious reader and have over 50 real estate books in my personal library on various aspects of REI.

I found this site that has lots of pre-configured templates specific to the construction industry that are designed for MS Office, a program you probably already have anyway (Like myself and most other PC users).

johnmichael: I have been using realtor.com since the late 90's for farming expiredsjohnmichael: You sign up for their service it's freejohnmichael: You farm out your property by looking at active listingsjohnmichael: You save any properties that look like a possiblejohnmichael: 10 to 15 per weekjohnmichael: you check back in a week you will see in red listing no longer availableDan_Auito: maybe go to the library and look up six month prior ads and give them a buzjohnmichael: So how many listing where their last yearjohnmichael: Over 42 Million Homes Listed For Salejohnmichael: So how many did I say that sold last year?

I've been cheap my whole life, I never buy a book if the library has it, I study accounting, law, construction, remodeling and other subjects of interest.

To be a success in real estate you need to:Dream your dreamPut your dream down on paperSet up a business plan around your dreamSet up short and long term goals around your dreamJoin a Real Estate Investing ClubResearch and Study postings at real estate investing forumsSearch out real estate investing books at your local library and study themSearch out used bookstores for real estate investing booksSearch out the laws in your state to determine what you can and can't do as an investorOnce you have completed the above you are now ready to take your dream to the next level.Search out two or three real estate investing strategies you want to use that fall into the 9 steps I've listed above.Now you need to take some courses and or seminars on your strategy of choice!

My current plan is to find some books at the library for this, but any ideas (or book recommendations :D ) would be welcome.

We always encourage investors to peruse sites like ours, and to spend a bit of time at the local library.

I'd lstart reading a few books at the library and articles online until you get some understanding of real estate.

Liz,One suggestion that I heard recently was that if you aren't sure about some of the books, tapes, videos, etc. being offered, you may be able to take a look through them at your local library.