Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings and the local landlord association meeting great place to meet people gather resources and info.Vacation rentals can be a huge profit center.

I personally know of a very active investor, he is a friend and business associate (not the one you are referring to, although chances are I know him too) who did exactly what you are describing.

@Justin Maynard,Don't give up.I've been going to the local Reia Meeting for 4+ years, and have handed out plenty of Business Cards.I would say, maybe 1 out of 20 people have become Associates, via those Business Cards.Keep on networking, it will eventually pay off.Raymond

I hope to transfer to Houston Galveston, TX area next summer.My association to real estate: 1.

Good to see that you have already benefited from the association.

You are the average of the 5 people you most associate with - so associate with some more real estate investors (online or in the real world.) 3.)

You may want to check out VA Peninsula Real Estate Investors Association.

My explanation of our family's "conservative nature" and low debt was my way of mitigating that additional risk associated with RE when deciding between the two.

Contacting organizations such as the Houston Contractors association, ACRP, or NAIOP would be a good place to start to build a database of contractors.

The local real estate associations have newsletters that are pretty reasonable to advertise in.