I've read the books and listened to the podcast for the last 3 or 4 years and been looking for the perfect deal, but I think its time to jump in and get my feet wet.

Is this the best way to get my feet wet in REI?

hey everyone newbie here. i have been doing research and feel blessed to have come across this site. for about the last few months i have been unemployed and collecting and realizing that working for a company is not the way i wanted to go. so i have been looking into foreclosure sales and properties. i guess what i need is someone to just point me in the right direction. i live in new york so i know alot of properties are real expensive out here. and right now i only got about 1k to play with. i am extremely determined and basically dont wanna end up like my father working his whole life and not having anything to show for it. any advice is appreciated i guess if anyone can tell me if i should get my liscence or not. also which books or courses i should take. also any body from new york with info of where to go here. and how i can get access to seminars and auctions so i can get my feet wet. also where i can find info on all of those no money down deals i hear and not using your own money.

When I make offers without seeing the property, I use every resource possible to understand what I'm dealing with..usually Google Street view, satellite view, listing history, zillow, and obviously a good look at the comps..assessed value, photos, etc...If you are offering at the low end of where the cheapest properties are selling, chances are you will have a deal if it comes through. .just estimate on the high end of a typical rehab..If it gets accepted, go see it before you cough up the deposit..The goal is to flush out a seller willing to accept much less than list, not necessarily to get an accepted offer..so if list is 140 and you offer 80 and they counter at 100, now go look at the property and see if it will work..tell the agent you need to firm up your numbers..much quicker than looking..I would only do it though if I am far from list price..If it's a new listing and the price is good, I take a look and make sure I will perform if I'm submitting an offer

While you are getting your feet wet I recommend you use multiple sources(contractors, agents, wholesalers, property managers, etc): I recommend good cma's from at least 2-3 agents.

You'll also be able to get your feet wet in owning rental property. 

Any suggestions on how I could possibly get my feet wet in the door would be great!

I'm getting my feet wet on analyzing properties now!

It also sounds like with long term renters the rent might be under market with room for modest raises after your living there and getting your feet wet.

As life changes (cough, kids, cough) we'd consider moving to the Primary and renting the Carriage.Concerns: Property age.