I've done a little investing, but after having been laid off from my day job again due to poor international economy I decided that I need to get on the path to self-employment and begin making things happen.I've spent some time browsing around the forums here, read the Ultimate Beginner's Guide, and am making my way through the Book on Flipping Houses.I look forward to networking here and learning from you.Good day,Brian

@J Scott and @Steven Hamilton II have provided excellent interview questions in previous posts, which I will use as a guide.

Finally, also read the BP Free Beginners Guide which will give you a good base of knowledge to start from and ask questions about.

If you haven't already done so, I'd recommend reading the Beginner's Guide To Investing, and also listening to the podcasts.

Also read the free BP beginner's guide under the learn tab, ask questions, and participate in forums.

We do have the DIY forum, of course, but no one stop shop for how-to guides.

I'd say if investors could get a hold of a National Association of RE Appraiser's Appraisal Techniques or similar study guide for new appraisers, at the introduction level, you better understand what appraisers do, why there are certain considerations made and the basis for weighting factors in the valuation process.

@Michael P.Welcome.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.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

So far I have started with the beginners guide.

Also with FHA you can go up to a 4 unit, that may or may not be something doable but it's something to think about as you look at getting started.Here is the ultimate guide to tenant screening, which is probably the single best source to get started with.