The Mortgage Professor:The Mortgage Professorhas the best stuff for beginners.

As a beginner, do you suggest throwing these tools out the window and just guessing since we don't have experience?

This is sounding rather odd to me, "people in your network" are they all beginners in investing?

Here are a few recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing Check out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/ If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select that person below.

So lately the general contracting company I am a partner in has been doing some bids with people that are new time investors that may be jumping in with very high expectations in the beginning that flipping a house is...

So I am a beginner with Excel.

You are right about how so many (not all) mortgage brokers are trying to get "that extra "gravy" out of beginner customers!

I think a great way to begin using BP is to read the Bigger Pockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing as Josh and Brandon did a great job with it.And now that you're here we'd love to see you be an active member of the BP community so be sure to set up Keywords Alerts for your local area such as "Mc Keesport" or "Pittsburgh" if you're looking to find potential opportunities for investing, education in a subject, or other members in your area.

Then on your second do the 3.5% down FHA and leverage two low money down programsIn the mean time check these out:https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investin...https://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-...Once you know how much you can afford, you will know where you can buy.  

Way to go beginner ?!!