I know private investors and hard money are options but I was wondering how others got started if those are in fact the rules?

I'm sure I'll look back on this specific post in a year and wonder what was I thinking in asking this, but I want to know.  

There has also been an addition of a pool and a finished barn.

I live in the county and was wondering how difficult the permit process is.Thank you in advance!

I think what you are looking for is someone trained in the ways of real estate investing - an agent that will:Introduce you to FSBO's - Expired Listings and other real estate opportunitiesWill be your fiduciary representativeWill make offers for you on suitable real estateWho understands creative financing; delayed settlement, seller assisted financing, assignment, wholesaling, REO, tenant selection, soft money mortgages, tax salesWho will be responsive to your financial goals and a person of integrity and trustHelp with direct mail and street marketing to locate transactionsHousing and rent court marketingAbsolute aware of financial and contract clauses as well as contract engineeringCan assist in - delayed settlement - automatic extension, performance mortgages, subordination, principal mortgages, options and joint venturesAware of bidding on REO, forclosures, tax sales and public auctionsUp to speed on commercial real estate, lots and land as well as businesses with real estateHow should you treat this wonderful person (if you can find one) -They should have a commitment from in the form of a Fiduciary Buyers Brokers AgreementYour agreement to pay them a commission on any non-listed deals they bring youA bonus agreement for great deals that you closeA gas budget - or a cash payment for gas Kind words and respectTo be sincere and active with the agentRespect from youFirst class training on how to represent youSometimes an equity interest in the great deals the agent has initiatedListings when you are ready to sellYour cooperation - all your financials, tax returns and other information that will help your agent close dealsA few free lunches ----Good luck --- Charles

I just picked up three of your books and was wondering if you or anyone on this forum recommends a specific order I should read themThe three books are:The book on investing in real estate with no money downThe book on rental property investing Set for lifeI am 23 years old, live in Queens, NY and currently am working as a civil engineer on a construction site.

Since Zillow discontinued it's support for rental comps analyzer, I am wondering, what tools are available out there? 

I have been shopping around and was wondering what companies other investors trusted.

I was just wondering why this is not a part of the monthly HOA fees I pay?

I'm wondering what happens to some of those homes and debt AFTER something like this happens.