I'm 28 now, and as it stands today, I feel that we are still relatively green.

I live in the fox valley area 30 minutes south of Green Bay which has remain relatively stable through the years which I believe makes the population dynamics more of a economic driver.

If the local expert gives you the green light, then you could make a trip there yourself.

If your IRA owned 33% and you partnered with your IRA (which can be done but tricky) taking the balance ownership, I believe the IRS would look at that deal as the IRA owner benefiting and thus not allowed, however, I could be wrong on this so I would definately check into it.Even if the IRS gave the green light, I would be shy on doing deals like this as it comes to close to the gray areas and IRA funds are not worth risking when you can make money without the very same risk and problems.

The key is to keep your mouth shut, no one else in the room needs to know everything you are thinking at all times.Regarding how much knowledge one needs before they start a wise man once told me:"If you waited til all the lights were green before you drove to your destination you would never leave the house."

Lots of people made $ millions in a 4 decade real estate investment paradise.

It currently has original shag green carpet (yay!)

Not in my kid's class.Tim, we have the volunteer deputies here, not sure you were aware of that, my uncle was chief of detectives for Greene, his complaint was these cowboys that the Sherriff handed badges to as political thanks and had them qualify at the range were just plain dangerous.

That is very typical of the types of motivated sellers I deal with: they can't afford to keep the house, can't wait around for it to sell traditionally.The house was not a prize...70's built 3/2/2 that had never been updated (think green carpet and paneling).

Do you have any advice for a green horn starting out?