Through my experiences I have always felt intimidated by being in the drivers seat myself, and cautious about leaving my comfort zone.But now, with my retirement goal looming, I feel I need to place my feet in this arena, and begin my own personal investment portfolio, in addition to continuing what I do best, provide financing to others.I believe by joining this forum, I can do both.

I JUST DID MY FIRST SUB2 DEAL AND LEASE/OPTIONES IT OUT 5 DAYS LATER FOR A PRETTY NICE BACK END (IF THEY EXERCISE THE OPTION IN 18 MONTHS).I THINK WE'LL ALL AGREE THAT REAL ESTATE INVESTING IS GREAT BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENT METHODS AND OPTIONS.EDUCATION IS DEFINITELY THE KEY.

As Jeff mentioned above, detailed records is key in reducing liability.

They can send you a list of thier properties that are listed and some of them will send you properties that aren't listed yet, but will be soon.If you area has public access to all listings in your area, you can start by searching in a certain area and looking for key words in the listing descriptions, such as "Lender Owned", "As-Is", "Bank Owned", etc.

This is only a lease with a one page option that gives the Tenant/Buyer the option to purchase the home at a predetermined price at the end of the term and if they stop paying the rent the Landlord/Owner can evict, if the Tenant/Buyer decides not to buy at the end they can walk away and the Landlord/Owner got the benefit of a long term tenant who took better care of the home because they were planning on buying the home instead of just renting.Remember to be successful action is the key...Marv Rousselow

The key thing to remember is that lenders will compare debt to income along with credit score.

The key to overcoming fear is to feel good about yourself and think positively.

Let me point out a few keys to successful investing.Whenever ANYONE offers you a deal, get ALL THE DETAILS, who, what, when, where, and most important, HOW MUCH?

I've posted it before but it's worth repeating as others may want to use it too.The keys to making this successful are:Buying for CASHPicking the market segmentOffering attractive TERMSI've been doing this for over ten years, the first 6 in Houston, the last 4 in a small town west of Austin.

I have various pre construction investment financing programs and full turn key pre construction investment projects all over the US.We have programs for all levels of competent borrowers.I would be happy to talk to you about your projects and let you know how it looks.Joel Brattin www.shieldmortgage.net