Go to your local REIA (Real Estate Investors Association) and make friends with the SUCCESSFUL investors in your area.

When IndyMac failed they gave a heads up.

If you buy a condo, make sure you get to see the association meeting meinutes and budget, so you can know what;s been going on - Do they have decent reserves in case of emergency repairs, like to the roof or siding?

I screwed myself over royally once because my head told me a particular business deal was cake but my gut was telling me it was crap.

Then he shared the spreadsheet with me and things really started to turn in my head.

You've got a good head on your shoulders and you're willing to take the steps necessary to learn what you can about all the areas that can secure your financial future.Good luck with your research, your real estate learning, and your future profitability.

At some point you will feel comfortable diving in head first and taking action.

I know you did soprt of a combination - just a heads up not to offer services to "save your home" in this particular forum.

I have a plan forming in my head, but nothing down on paper yet.

The problem with Realtors is that by definition, they are part of the National Association of Realtors.