I'll comment just quickly since this is a welcome thread.I've used both sub2 and MLO as steps to acquire buy and holds.  

It's free and you can find it here https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investin....If you read through that and link to all the posts they mention and listen to all the podcasts they recommend, then you should have a fairly firm grasp on the basics of wholesaling and renting properties AND have a pretty good idea of what next action steps to take. 

What are next a steps people take when trying to contact owners?

Thanks so much Brian Jordan - excellent feedback and steps in getting it done.

While I have the initial fear I am reading about, I am also commited to learning and making this happen.

New to the REI community and looking to get some great guidance and advice from the seasoned vets and learn as much as I can.Have been doing some initial research into Multi-family, buy-and-hold, (>,=2 units) in the Chicagoland area (mainly western suburbs, Brookfield, LaGrange, Downers Grove, Wheaton, and the like) and found some units with potential.Here's my current question:I've found a property that I believe has some potential.

I congratulate you on your effort thus far and taking those first few steps are always the hardest but THE MOST important.  

The current minimum deposit in my country is 20%, but with 5 of us, we would aim to put down as much as possible on the initial deposit.

I heard this is a good book to learn step by step  O ya I heard it was free!  

I'm currently working with a hard money lender who initially had some great terms for my business partner and I, however, we ran into a little bit of a problem due to some tax issues with my business partner.