I even helped write (with no author credit) an internal guide when I worked with one of the Big Four for the leading guy of the firm in San Fran that specialized in 1031 (I was low on chargeable hours and needed a project).

Now I am wondering how to approach this deal (and the Realtor) with an offer in which we can assign the contract or if I should just cut my losses and pass the lead off to an investor.Any thoughts/ideas are greatly appreciated.

I filter out my leads and call the more qualified ones in an effort to maximize my time.

I think on preforeclosures I am confused on that - equity or no equity I start with the owner right (the letters, knocking on their door, etc) and in either case I HAVE to get their approval to either make some sort of deal with them - OR - get authorization to work with their lender - is this a true statement?

I have a property lead from a highly motivated seller.

Besides negotiation, FSBO is also about obtaining leads.

I am a newbie and have been receiving a handful of leads for people who want to sell their home quickly.

Ask around to find out who the best authority and course on Subject-2 is.

Mike,Also, I advise that you just read the books and don't jump into any of the mentoring schemes that are offered by the authors, until after you truly feel that you have absorbed knowledge and feel ready to try your hand at REI.

Like everyone else is mentioning, starting off doing BPO's will lead you to get some listings.