Scott mentioned, find a good insurance broker to insure your job if it's a major or risky (roof) job.

I'm sure that's a "dear" proposition!

I can also assure you that your risk is managed when working with us and we absolutely do all of the heavy lifting for you.

I am still looking in CA, but in my neck of the woods there is simply very little to be had, and even a property that should work requires so much capital to get into that I cannot diversify (buy multiple investments) so if something goes downhill I am out of luck, so it is risky to stay here too.Mark, thanks for the thoughts.

There is a part of you that knows that this is a very risky undertaking.

The risk is huge.The value is probably not what you think.

I would say that if he didn't get it, he didn't get it... cash is way too risky of a way to pay, and you should never pay cash unless you get an instant receipt.One of my old apartment complexes had a dropbox for us to pay.

It is easier to sell the dream (easy money based on a simple system requiring little money down and little risk) than to sell the truth that making money in real estate usually requires knowledge, time, money, effort, personal sacrifice and risk. I

Like Nathan said, today's interest rates are so low you will have a less risky approach and will be able to pay the loan off easier.

To minimise risk and to get some exposure to the world of development without taking any unnecessary risk I plan on starting out by sub-dividing and or re-zoning land.