Exploring garage sales, craigslist, and Facebook, I bought and sold everything from shot glasses to Ipods and Roombas (robot cleaners).

Help others as much as you can, look for opportunities to lend a hand.Be prepared to do business - have your action packet at hand - always in your car - have these items in your action packet ---Skinny Contract offers - short form with all the protective clauses and built-in extensionsLong form contract of sale (always best to keep it simple) use the long form for commercial dealsBlank checks - pens Lease option agreementsOption agreements - you may want to take an option rather than an offer to purchaseCalculator (or use your phone) you will need to calculate  how much per S.F. the properties are selling for - this is  good comparison method.One sheet on your self that would include referencesNote pad - so you can write notes to those who are not at homeFlash lite - tape measure - small level - lead paint kit (great negotiating tool)Take all your expired listings with you when farming a neighborhood - if you can't find the owners telephone - drive to their home to ask if they are still interested in selling (no commission this time). 

He or she should be able to give you the skinny on that property in minutes.  

This deal is a bit too skinny for that, however:4.

Review your sales contract offer, is it a skinny contract or a long contract that real estate agents use?

The auction method of selling is a great way to sell and realize the equity profit you've created and earning a commission (we call it Buyer's Premium) at the same time.One of my Auctioneer Associates, last month, contracted (using a skinny contract) a bar and building in a bad neighborhood for $60,000, we advertised it for 4 weeks, it sold in competitive bid auction for $170,000.

@Dustin Alyea, @Rhonda Cruz and @Cindy Szponder there is a North metro meetup hosted by @Dan Mackin that you should get the skinny on.

If you've got a phone or ipod, I find it really handy being able to listen while I'm walking or doing household chores - it makes that time useful beyond what you're just trying to get done!

Don't rush their decision, talk about benefits; cash now, monthly payments, no more tenants, mortgage payments, violations, vacancies....Be prepared to make a decision with a one page skinny purchase contract (one that a High School drop out can understand), a blank check, your profile (who are you, your credential, copy of drivers license, membership in any organizations - Masons, Knights etc.)Your offer should have only one out clause (also know s a contingency), KEEP IT SIMPLE.Make full disclosures - what are you going to do - flip - assign, settle, refer, get a loan on etc.Be friendly, but professionalDress well - don't look like you just got off a tractor in you corn field.

I love what you did with the tall skinny mirror in the bathroom.