I am reading several books on the topic and boning up on my necessary mathematics.

I'll o read your article, thanks for posting it.

I have yet to see or hear a single guru talk about the difficulties of the business or discuss the truth about operating expenses, cash flow; or other serious matters.Having said all that, you will certainly read many books and articles while acquiring your education and starting with one book as opposed to another isn't terribly important.

If this topic is still being followed, I would suggest that you play it safe.

William - from the top of any discussion you'll see "MONITOR TOPIC."

This should give you an idea what I'm interested in.http://biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/21207-best-area-to-get-started-in-?

I've kind of been turned off from foreclosure/auction/sherrif sales due to the long process and the inability to inspect the property etc.Besides getting the "balls" to actually approach people in preforeclosure situations, the main thing holding me back is financing, I simply do not have the money for a downpayment.My plan was to buy properties, hold on to and rent them until the market turns, and then eventually sell, but that may not be the best option at this point.Reading this forum the last few days I've been hearing some new terms:bird dogging - http://www.biggerpockets.com/articles/bird-dogging101rb.htmlwholesaling - http://www.biggerpockets.com/articles/wholesaling-properties-lg.htmlTo be honest, I'm not 100% sure what the main difference is.

Or if there was a way to search them my topic number.

(article: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2008/01/29/getting-your-own-house-in-order/ )That article is very well researched and explained.

I've not done this, but its been a hot topic at city council recently, thank's to a redevelopment plan that outlines different zoning than we currently have.