Look around this site and read the main blog articles, listen to the Podcasts (Both under the "Learn" tab at the top of the screen) and be active in the forums and you will be able to get a pretty quick education on whatever niche you want to get into.It is also good to get out and meet other local investors at some of the many investor events we have throughout the month.

Build your foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

@J Scott , I'm surprised you didn't mention the excellent article about real estate deal analysis you posted here on BiggerPockets.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/landlord-tax-deductions-environmental-cleanup-costs.html @Steven Hamilton II @Steve Babiak based on the article in the above link you guys seem to be right on about it being an improvement.

However, it focuses primarily on urban aspects and therefore the urban core neighborhoods. http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-apr-due-north-the-st-johns-river-is-one-of-manyhey whats up, jack?

Seeing this topic made me think of this quote:“Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.” ~ Warren BuffettI hope you find someone locally that can show you the ropes and give you CONFIDENCE to pursue your dreams!

If you check out the link from our meetup, you can at least see some of the active Bay Area members:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/109953-east-bay-meetup---thurs-jan-16-2014-in-oaklandI'm a 'fix and hold' investor.

It will earn you commissions but it will also show you how to buy houses that are not selling through regular marketing as described in the article above.

Build the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.