You should be able to accurately confirm many of the expenses you're currently estimating as well as the repair costs from a thorough walk-thru, before you move forward.

You will find their closing costs will be much lower and in many cases more accurate.

Your profession should provide sources of private money.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

I think the NAR's report is a little more accurate to other areas of the country.I agree with you that the banks are lagging in regards to responding to the softening of the market.

Hi BP community,

I live in San Diego and I am looking to buy my first RE investment, which will hopefully be a multiunit out of state, wherever has the best macroeconomic trends and best bang for your buck. T...

I always try to be very transparent about what information I will be gathering, who I'm gathering it from and how and when I'll be making a determination and I put the everything in writing.That way, no one can come back and say I discriminated against them or broke the law in a certain way because my policies were in writing and followed.

Check out the resources 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.Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing.

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

After you get comfortable with the info gathering, you can vet the data to meet your criteria and prioritize files as to your opinion regarding opportunities.

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.Consider checking out HUD homes for small multi's owner occupied gets first crack.