Now my life is "ruined" :) As of writing this post, my Real Estate investing experience is a big fat 0.

We've done a few thousand over the years and I've learned the easier the funding source is the more deals I can do.

They have over a thousand dollars in fuel, and travel.2014 taxes: $18952015 taxes: $1900*Now, rent for the area on a 2/1 should be closer to the $550-$600 mark, depending on what the inside looks like.

So some ideas I had, that worked sometimes were:A friendly joint ventureA family joint ventureDelayed settlementPartner with the sellerLong study periodsLong period option to purchaseAsk the seller to refinance and I'd take over the mortgageAsk fro 100% mortgageAsk the seller to finance a100% and give me some cashAfter thousands of dollars spent on motel courses taught by dubious "smarties", I discovered that they didn't have the answers either. 

It blows my mind that someone would invest thousands into a place, then let it begin a slide into ruin...

There are very few agents or brokers that have the depth of knowledge that a seasoned appraiser has just by shear scale; we look at thousands of properties per year instead of a few dozen or even hundred.

I went a little over budget (maybe a few thousand dollars) because of certain things I hadn't budgeted for at first & then realized I needed/wanted in the flip.  

It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site and with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.You are here at the Forum, but, should raise your mouse to the top and explore the otherheadings displayed.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums,Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze, Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs, webinars and the myriad of bookrecommendations.Also, you can review the quick links below to help solidify your grip on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere http://www.biggerpockets.com/ubg http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Setting up Keyword Alerts How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets 25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessAfter becoming more knowledgeable and confident because of my above suggestions, take action to snag your first real estate investment deal if new or add to your existing holdings if you have prior experience.Don't get caught up in analysis paralysis.You must immerse yourself in the RE marketplace locally in your neighborhood or afar if the situation warrants it.Take calculated risks if needed and you shall be rewarded!"

I can't say whether that show fudges numbers or not, but assuming all the numbers are true, and assuming it is as "easy" for them as it appears on television, you should consider this.1) Both husband and wife were/are real estate agents in the general area where they now invest, which means they both are extremely familiar with the prices, trends, rental rates, and everything else real estate related in that area.2) The couple has access to hard money lenders, their parents (on both sides) have stepped in to loan tens of thousands of dollars when they go over budget, and they also max out their credit cards for tens of thousands of dollars.There are other factors, but hopefully you get the point. 

Now, I have to E-Mail my new Russian girlfriend, she's a 26 year old model and needs only ten thousand to get out of her modeling contract and get a ticket to come marry me!