Rich Dad, Poor Dad is cited on here as an inspiration to many (and I have to admit I liked the books also), but here is the reality on the author's guru seminars: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rich-dad-poor-dads-ban...Also: http://www.cbc.ca/news/rich-dad-seminars-deceptive..."

The rest take advantage of ignorance with the conman playing the part of a policeman, IRS agent or other in a position of authority and essentially strong arming the mark.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_confidence_tr...I'm sorry the OP had the experience they had.  

 There is a house in my neighborhood that has been sitting for a few months and I would like to make an offer on it, my RE agent says I need to get pre-approved for a conventional loan in order to make an official offer.  

Have you made an official offer? 

If it is, check with your building official about the permit requirements. 

I would also speak to the local municipal authorities before purchasing and make sure I was clear on what they will require.

There is an official guidelines that yearly repairs and improvements expenses for a rental property should be below 2% of the purchasing price.

Im a research junkie Ive been absorbing as much information as i can from many resources and i will be attending a 3 day bootcamp next week and after that I am going to be officially taking action.

In most cases I have seen most investors having the seller add them as an authorized person on the loan so that they can make payments directly.

Hello Michael,I just completed my first book in commercial real estate (Trump University Commercial Real Estate 101: How small investors can get started and make it big, Author is David Lindahl) and thought it was pretty good for basic knowledge.