I chalk some of that up to rookies, inexperience, or foolishness and I chalk the balance up to those who do massive quantities and those who have no other deals so rather than sit on the sidelines, they will take the risk of a small spread.One of the key factors in my book is the time.

Lots of folks complaining about price points have been caught on the sidelines while the investors who have been creative, flexible, and a figured out a way to make this market work have realized significant gains and leveraged that equity into more deals. 

I was unable to get a traditional loan, so I had to sit on the side lines while my friends invested in Texas and did very well.

Just too much money on the side lines waiting for a small discount at this point.Well I hope so. 

If you never take that risk of entering in the real estate game, you’ll probably be regretting it sitting on the sidelines while your old 401k earns very little.

Originally posted by @Steven Lowe:I think in the coming months those that kept their faith in the American economy will be rewarded and those that panicked, bailed out, or stood frozen in fear on the sidelines will be kicking themselves for not capitalizing on the opportunities that a short term correction brought.  

I started a very successful internet business selling electronics and I have been itching to get into real estate but ive been sidelined until I have can show documented income.2011 will be my first actual business year in the books and I will send around 140K AGI to the IRS.Now my question...With 1 year doc income at 140K and a 740 credit score, would I be able to get more then one home loan in 2012?

Basically, as the subject line said, I have been watching real estate investing from the sidelines for a while, but have yet to pull the trigger on a property.

@Ryan Anders It is certainly a tougher market to navigate all around but sitting on the sidelines doesn't get you anywhere close to your goals and there's too many good opportunities out there to not be investing!

Sit on the sidelines and wait for the right time (who knows when that will be) or do a little more legwork and try to finds deals?