Account Closed's REI BAR camp last weekend, and he's been crushing it taking the "non-turnkey" route.

I don't mean to go against the grain of those who are selling that idea - all I can say is that it did not work for me.So.......... back to taking seminars, buying cassette tapes and books - I wanted to learn everything I could about investing in real estate ---- so--I had to get money, working capital, and I needed to go on the cheap - A friend told me about cheap properties you could buy in Baltimore - houses for only $2-3,000 and many of them could be found at public auctions.After borrowing some money and getting some credit cards and a new job - one in sales - I was ready - ready to invest in cheap- junk properties in the City.And wouldn't you know it - I got lucky at my first auction and purchased a cheap house that was boarded up - Because of all those expensive seminars I enrolled in I WAS READY - prepared with my pry-bar, flash light, level, marble and probe - I decided to go to this building that was being auctioned the next day - I sort of removed some plywood and crawled through a window to take a look -Boy was I surprised - this place looked great - I later found out that the estate boarded it to keep squatters out.The next day - I was ready with my deposit and waiting for the auctioneer to start his melodious hypnotic chant - 5 bidders appeared but did not bid because they could not get it - I was the only bidder and got the house real cheap.Today as an auctioneer, investor and developer of commercial properties - if someone would ask my opinion on how to get started I would suggest ---Continue to study but learn how to cut through the BSGet a credit line Learn 20 creative financing techniques - no money down systems (that is none of your own money)Hang with a few successful investors and pick - pick - pick their brain*** Look at 50 houses in the area you intend to invest (not expensive, blue collar, mixed rental and home owner neighborhoods)When you are finished looking at 50 properties - you will be armed with knowledge that most agents and other investors don't have - knowledge of values -Keep a journal, put listings in it, write down everything the agent or owner says, keep a record of the cost per square foot - this will help determine values -Have agents send you expired listings - go knock on the door or send a letter to ask if they are still accepting offers on the property - Remember an expired listed is a property that failed to sell - the seller should still be motivated to sell. 

I have a guy that works way cheaper then he should and does them for about $1300 labor which I know is crazy so I am trying to get a grasp on reality when I start shopping rates again.For a small full bathroom we typically do a complete gut except we keep the tub and reglaze it -  Labor usually consists of ceramic tile shower surround/tile floor - new toilet,light,mirror,towel bar,faucet, shower head - trim and painI know this is region specific but just interested to hear others

We sound like the start of a bad joke:  A retired attorney, and two Property Insurance guys walk into a bar... 

Now, if you had a prime apartment in the Mission district of San Francisco, I might say do it (barring the short term rental laws that are now in place).

And if you know your area you can focus on certain neighborhoods, which is something you can't as easily do if you buy, for example, an absentee list.There are tons of other ways to get leads though, it's just up to you whether you want to put in the time, do the work, pay the money...Type "finding leads" into the search bar here on BP and find literally thousands of posts and blogs on the topic.

Please reply with anyone you've worked with and was happy with their results in the following areas of work:Framer carpenter (I need a wall cut out to create a counter top bar between kitchen & dining room)Kitchen/Bath Cabinets (refinished on one wall & new ones installed on the other)Tile (shower surround and kitchen back splash)Granite Counter top installationPainter (paint full 2 br/bth condo, all walls & ceilings, framework, & possibly fireplace and cabinets)I appreciate your help in advance!

Since you're in Florida, I assume you're making offer using the FAR/BAR As-Is.You can make a cash offer (assuming you have the cash and proof of funds to back it up), but still reserve the right to finance a portion of it. 

Regardless, while Dallas is an awesome city to live and visit, it's just not one where I'll be buying other property.As for Phoenix returns I have 4 different projects there and they are all pretty different:  1)  A 3bedroom townhome that I VRBO when I'm not staying there (side note: the Arizona governor signed a law making it illegal for local municipalities to bar VRBO for homeowners, love that. 

There are a bunch of bars restaurants and other businesses on Bridge Street.