Too often, I see newcomers try and buy too much property that have too many problems, have too little money, and need too leverage to make the loan work.Make sure the property's financials are strong, the market and property condition aren't weak, and that you can give the bank comfort with your liquidity and assets.

(Example: A tenant wants to open a pizza place in your space but there are already 7 pizza places in a high mile radius which is too many for the population levels you have etc.)What the other person said makes sense about the landlord needs to properly vet the tenant however that leasing broker knows they are bringing a weak tenant so should expect not to get all the commission upfront is the way I see it.If I am the landlord taking a risk on a weak tenant then I am sure not going to give TI and all this leasing commission to the broker right away.

you can do nothing down in the very weak markets of the US.. in the strong markets no money no credit as you state is 99% of the time a non starter.one of the best things I think one can do is spend the 400 bucks on a RE license pre licensing test get your license and go to work in the industry... you can earn money as you learn.. for whatever reason in todays day and age.. people just want to go from nothing really nothing about real estate and all of a sudden make money when they have no money.. the two do not correlate other than in the movies.A real estate investor in my mind is one who has great credit capacity ( cash) and ability to find buy and then either value add or rent out for long term holds.I know I started with nothing at 18 got my real estate licesne and I did not buy my first property ( other than my personal resi ) until I was a few years into the business and had proper funding and credit and knowledge to know what a deal was and was not and ability to deal with the public in a positive manner.And I agree 1000 %  95% of those that come on sites like these and introduce themselves as an "investor I am going to wholesale becasue I have no money then when I get money I am going to be a buy and hold investor " never make it and just fade away.. just look at a 2 year old thread on this site you will see very few people that are still here contributing.. they are gone working their day jobs.  

I hope to be in a position when one side it weak to take advantage and so on. 

I will say that my knowledge of financing and dealing with banks is one of my weaknesses right now.

I'd would have to agree with Paul on this 1 deal out of 1500 does seem rather weak.  

In the meantime, I think my biggest weakness is with property maintenance.

Often in middle of nowhere type places in weak suburban to rural areas you will see dollar stores.

Many times people are in chronic foreclosure status, meaning they keep one step ahead of being foreclosed on, so you want to send letters repeatedly to the same people.

Each have their strengths and weaknesses, but like to hear any stories or personal experiences.