In the planning stages:3 bedroom house, super-deep lot and an oversized 2+ car garage with alley acess. 

At your stage, use bids until you learn the costs through experience.

I am at the very beginning stages of learning about real estate investing, so that is why I am here.

If Seller fails to perform, all loan, sales processing and closing costs incurred whether same were to be paid by Seller or Buyer will be the responsibility of Seller, and Buyer will be entitled to the return of the Binder deposit.This will include, but not be limited to the transaction not being closed because Seller is unable to complete the transaction for a qualified Buyer, or because the property does not appraise for an amount sufficient to enable the lender to make the required loan, or because Seller elects not to pay for the excess amount in paragraphs 4 (with respect to repairs), 9, or 11, or because the zoning is not as required in paragraph 16 or because Seller cannot deliver marketable title.6.Prorations:All taxes, rentals, condominium or association fees, prepaid hazard insurance premiums (if assumed), monthly mortgage insurance premiums and interest on loans will be prorated as of the date of closing.7.Title Evidence:Within _____days [] after acceptance [] after date of satisfaction of all conditions in paragraph 19.

I am at the very beginning stage of looking for cash buyers, however, since I am so green at this, I need a little hand holding.

I'm still in the early stages, but I'm trying to get to know people the business, and the lay of the land. 

Learn some nothing down techniques and use themFind sellers and negotiate with them directly (unlisted properties)Ask your agent to send you expired listing dailyMake offers 20% below last listed price on expired listingsMake Trial Offers and  use Second Stage negotiations Flip some properties every month to create cash reserve and cash flow.Always ask for seller financing in your contract offerAsk for Principal Mortgages, delayed settlements and early pay-off discountsTake a portion of your money to advertise for propertiesRun radio ads for real estate wantedUs a skinny contractsHave your agent take out the clause in his contrat "Time is of the Essences"Build in an automatic extension in your contract (have it before you need it)Have fun and build your real estate portfolioCharles

The investor and I used our own furniture to stage the property.

One house that I just received the contract on states that if the deal falls through, the agent gets our deposit (He originally asked us for 10% deposit - which i thought was quite excessive and worked him down to 3%)Is it a must that we have to sign the contract before we get to modify it to our needs?

Luckily, the interior of the house was very clean and needed mostly ‘lipstick’ and some staging.