Flipping, etc is speculating IMHO, not investing.In short here is what I do....Scenario 1...a) Contact a few realtors I know who know how to look for good properties.

If so, you will need to put in an offer as-is via the realtor that it is listed with.

Can any realtors out there run some comps for me for these houses?

List the others with a realtor to get the MLS exposure.If you're looking for a fast sale offer the properties at a significant discount to market.

I am an REO Realtor in Pittsburgh.

Is it possible for a first-time home-buyer such as myself to assimilate all of the information from books/Internet research/television programs, maybe some phone calls from a realtor relative, but not go with a real estate agent?

Do most of you use a standard realtor provided offer letter or have you crafted your own?

I have been gathering ideas and working out marketing strategies for the past year or so and I am ready to step out of the real estate office I currently work under and begin my own.The area certainly isn't lacking in the number of current real estate companies nor in the number of active realtors but there are some areas and targets that are NOT being approached by anyone.

I see that you're a realtor . . . do you do any investing yourself?

I just joined this sight today. I was not sure if this was permissable to add my listings? If I am allowed, where do I enter this information and if it is not permissable then I understand.