The biggest part is don't overthink everything, start taking action today.Since the beginning of the year I've set up my business phone (google voice), set up my LLC (through the MD website - cheaper than LegalZoom), got my contracts in place (I believe you can find sample ones on the BP site), set up my websites, started networking with other investors (got a list of people who buy in the area and what they're searching for), and a couple weeks ago I sent out my first Direct Mailing campaign marketing for sellers (548 postcards), I set up my marketing number through FreedomVoice.com and have received a decent amount of calls (and a couple hot leads), I also purchased blank signs and put them out on the weekends ("WE BUY HOUSES CASH with my phone number and website" - check your local laws).Go watch Steve Harvey's video on taking action (Search "Steve Harvey - Jump" on YouTube").

We are here for honest discussion so it's cool for you to voice your concerns.   

I found a forum where one can voice their opinions and thoughts along with thousands of others who are in the SAME BOAT as I am, and I'm finally here...

But the bad news is months and months of aggravation and "we're just waiting for the bank to get back to us, I've left voice mails and sent faxes".I've had some success stepping in where other short sales have fallen out of contract because the buyer got tired of waiting.

If you create a separate entity like an LLC set up a separate bank account(s) for the business - and look up "LLC entity formalities" while you're at it.I will say (with the voice of some experience) don't bother analyzing things to the Nth degree to determine an ultimate "exit strategy for the LLC".

I listen to them through a youtube app at 1.25 speed... voices are not like Alvin and the Chipmunks unless you crank it up over 1.5 speed :-)Best of luck!

This is complicated even more since many REI don't really know how to either, and not all REI have the same criteria for deals.It's really up to the REI to give the REA the REI's list of criteria for deals, and for the REA to use their knowledge and resources to bring properties to the table that match that criteria...and NOT to bring properties that are just "close".This means the REA must understand the how's and why's of the particular REI they are working with so that the REA can be the REI's voice during the negotiation. 

'07 - '09 were the first two (academic) years in medical school.

The academic answer:You can calculate your yearly return on equity as: Return on Equity = Cash Flow after PITI + Principal Paydown + Appreciation / Total Equityand theoretically, as long as your negative cash flow is smaller than that number (maybe minus appreciation if you don't want to be exposed to market shifts), you're actually making a positive return on investment yearly.The practical answer is to only accept negative cashflow when that amount doesn't directly impact your wellbeing and quality of life.

Choose for yourself and avoid listening to the voices of naysayers who haven't even explored the opportunity.