Since my time is more valuable in my career, I have to let that go, and I have to let the people who do that for a living take my money.

If you have lived in a property for at least 2 of the past 5 years, when you sell it then you can have a gain of up to $250,000 ($500,000 if you're married) and not pay capital gains taxes.

So you could buy on the equity markets a 'put' (option to sell the investment at a net gain, if the market turns down) or a future (locked-in price for the home market index in your metro region) for 9 nine out to protect much of the downside, like insurance.It looks straightforward enough to buy options "insurance" - some volatility like stocks but well within the realm of rational investing - not a gimmick.

This is a great way to gain experience which was also my strategy.

Thanks again to everyone for your inputs, because they are very valuable to me and I really appreciate them!

The first 24 hours already makes me realize how valuable this site and people are.Rich

But I held off.I never even looked at the property in person.Next time something like this comes up, I'll try to work out a deal where I don't have to put 20% of my own money down, and can gain the equity in other ways.

Blackmail is an act, often a crime, involving unjustified threats to make a gain or loss to another unless demands are met.

I have read a couple books and even to went to a "Guru" seminar but for additional mentorship from the guru I would've had to pay $2,000 dollars and quite frankly it seemed like a sales pitch more than anything else.I was even nervous typing this first post, but I know if real estate investing is something I want to do then I must take actions towards my goal and network with people anyway I can.So if anyone has any advice for me feel free to comment, I am currently looking for a second job to increase my funds for investing and marketing and also available to help to any wholesalers or real estate investors in any form so I can gain more knowledge of REI.

He also provided me with valuable information concerning different exit strategies.