Once you find the right person or persons, taking them to lunch is all it will take to pick their brain and put yourself on the right track.

Consult with a real expert in that field.Lastly, man I wish I had your brain at your age!

Go to listed properties, auctions, deals from other investors (you know the ones you met at the Real estate investors association), and stop by at any house you see being renovated and pick the brain of the owner or contractor.

Invite couple of them out to drinks, dinner, etc. and pick their brain for all the free (except price of drinks, steak, etc.) information they will provide.

In addition, I was able to pick the brains of some valuable team members like my insurance broker, mortgage broker, the listing agent, and 2 friends who have invaluable knowledge (one who knows construction costs and the other who is a real estate attorney).And best of all, you guys have been a huge help.

This is where my gut says to walk.But then the brain starts in.

This is their lively hood and they a scrutinized on a daily bases, get phone call after phone call about this property or that and are under constant bombardment by someone wanting a higher value.If you really want to know how the process works I advise talking to an experienced appraiser and pick his brain. 

I have picked his brain from time to time. 

I'm trying to wrap my brain around some different creative financing strategies....I've got "some" capital and really good credit but need more capital to make this happen.

I wanted to pick someones brain I offered 90k for a REO property but the bank took it off the market because they found out it has squatters they asked my realtor would I be interested in buying it and I remove the squatters I was thinking of saying yes if I can get it for between 65K - 70K do you think this would be a good idea?