@Peter Kush lots of good advice from lots of smart people already.

utm_source=search&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=wholesaleguide (step by step guide to wholesaling)https://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/(video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.You mentioned an interest in rentals and I added a guide for your review.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I did a small landing area with that product and thought I was so smart and thrifty... but it did not last through the following winter (cracked and separated from underlying surface).

I've dealt with smart real estate investors who were doing taxes themselves because (1) they thought they knew everything and (2) they wanted to save $600 in prep fees.

any help on this would be great I am motivated and smart and want to make this happen and willing to do almost anything to get my foot in the door

Appliances included with the RentalMonthDirect DepositLate FeesPet FeesUtilitiesAssignment and SublettingNo SmokingMaintenanceEntry By LandlordExtended Absence By TenantTermination on Sale of PremisesLease Termination Provision for Military PersonnelTenant Assumes Responsibility for MaintenanceBattery Operated Device(s)FiltersSteam Cleaning CarpetsProfessional CleaningLandscapingHOAKeys, Garages/GatesDamagesRenter’s InsuranceBreak Lease (Buy out Option)AlterationsPest ControlHome BusinessesAttic StorageRenting Sight UnseenAppliance MaintenanceFees/ViolationsDuct CleaningPlumbingChanging LocksPlay Structures, Trampoline, Pools and Other Large Outdoor EquipmentRoommateAs-Is AppliancesHere is a more in-depth article I wrote for bigger pockets. https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/10/17/38-addendums-battle-ready-lease/ Hope it helps.

In fact, stressed properties tend to bring a good return if you play it smart.

I recently asked a similar question and got a very broad range of very astute answers from a lot of very smart and experienced folks on this thread. 

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you expressed an interest in flips, I added the guide belowhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?