I am embarking on a more regimented process for tracking and pursuing vacants myself recently...so, what i am telling you is what my plan of action is, but it is not tried and true yet.Send the owner a picture of their house with a letter (if you have time, hand write it for more impact)...the letter might say to the effect:"DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IS THIS HOUSE (at 123 main st.) is COSTING YOU?

Hello Everyone,I am very excited to find and join such a informative site, with real estate professionals embarking a similar journey in real estate.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.While you wait for feedback from local Chicago wholesalers please review the guide below before embarking on your chosen niche.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

@Jerry WeberWelcome to the vibrant BP community, where you will find like minded individuals committed to REI and also helping others succeed.Your time on this social media site will be well spent.You have taken the 1st step by announcing your readiness and commitment to embark on a REI career.Whether you pursue, wholesale, flips or buy and hold it's up to you to decide.Below, are some links for three of the most popular niches from which your can review and pick one or all.My take on your preparation to embark on REI is that you simultaneously educate yourself and work on getting your debts down to size.

When the ship came to port, my husband went to the port office, got the documents, took them to the notary, signed them, sent them back by FedEx, and re-embarked onto the ship. 

My wife and I embarked on a new experiment in 2015, radical cost cutting in our personal expenses in order to invest more quickly in cash flowing rental properties.  

So here I am on BP, embarking on a deep dive in learning, networking locally, and hopefully with this community as well.  

@Patrick H. undefinedHey PatrickI am a recent college graduate from cofc nod looking to embark on flips.

I admittedly have a distinct bias against wholesaling, so I would first suggest if you do go that route you do a lot of advance homework and due diligence before embarking on that niche.  

The second contractor that I hired came in and completed his job and even corrected mistakes that he made.On my second whole house rehab I used a retail contractor and I pushed to keep cost down by purchasing my materials and stay within my timeline ( no that didn't work too well) I will be embarking on another rehab soon and I need to find honest contractors who work with rehabbers to help keep cost down and stay on the time line.I live in the DMV ( DC, Maryland , Virginia area ) and need some good recommendations.