From what I understand many large institutional investors have basically overpaid for projects where they could rehab and then raise rents and occupancy.

I have met once an enterprising young Japanese guy who has amassed a sizable fortune in rental apartment buildings, but certainly he was not the average and he worked extremely hard to get the financing while credit was loose.One source of cheaper houses are the government auctions.

Basically, all you need to do is make sure you are disclosing the fact that you are a realtor to all parties involved.

The house is built into a hill and the garage is basically part of the basement.

You may also pay "discount points" which are basically interest you pay up front to get a lower rate.

Although I find some people by word of mouth basically friends telling friends

Admittedly, this was 15 years ago, but it sure makes any claims of multi-billion bulk reo packages look like total hogwash.Theses were basically limited partnerships where RTC was the limited partner and lender, and another group was the general partner.

The education you get to obtain a license is basically real estate law.

Basic materials are the same, but fuel goes up and do expendables.Some contractors do not give a discount if the two jobs are done at the same time.

That is a decent list, but it is pretty basic.