However, my 'side projects' are picking up very quickly. 

Great way to pick up some good info and possibly a deal.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

Fortunately, I had to go pick up my boys, who were now starting middle school basketball, from practice.

Take property managers out to lunch and pick their brain.

I've listened to the last 10 podcasts (and continue to work my way back), attended my first BP webinar, started picking up some good books recommended from the podcasts, and am working on making new connections in the Indy area.  

I will only leave you with this to consider ... picking a stock that is about to appreciate but has no history of doing so is different thing entirely than picking a stock that has a long history of appreciation and dividend increases, which is different still than a stock with a solid dividend but absolutely no growth.

Also picked up a large ( almost 4,000 sqft) 3 family in a nice area of Waterbury a couple of months ago.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.