I'm in the process of picking up 5 properties right now. 4 of them I am using homestyle loans and the 5th i'm paying cash. 

And although it's only been a month since picking up that book, I have found myself devoting a couple hours a day into this new endeavor with podcasts, articles, and webcasts.

Once you answer your why its easier to pick a path.

And if you're ever in need and don't have references, you could always do like J Scott would do; go to a Lowe's or Menards at 6:00 and see who's there picking up supplies for their jobs of the day.

When I'm on a tight budget (Always) I find a higher success rate from "Driving for Dollars" where I literally drive around a target area and pick out homes that look neglected or in need of some attention.  

I have many licensed attorney friends that specialize in real estate law who I can and do call all the time and pick their brains. 

Older residential properties in poor repair are likely to be picked up and ploughed under as part of secondary commercial redevelopment. 

No one else will make them submit to thatDrug tests are weak indicators of drug usage and tenant responsibility. drug tests are pretty much only good at picking up marijuana, and to deny someone a living space because of marijuana use is just crazy imo.

That said, the volume has dropped off considerably from its peak in my market 2 years ago while other sectors of construction have picked up for us which essentially allows us to be much more selective in what work we accept.

Now we have staff that takes our calls but I still love ^ that approach if you can't pick up.