Create 5 craigslist accounts and post 5 ads to 3 different categories on one day, then a new 5 ads the next day...renew them every 48 hours so you will always have at least 30 ads on craigslist..I could go on...there isnt much magic...just keep pressing forward, talking to people, learning and don't be afraid of failing or making a mistake or be afraid of the naysayers...hang around and get to know the best wholesalers in your area...talk to them and try to emulate what they do...they should get you started.

Like I said this is my first time so I hope I'm on the right track and not making the silly mistakes I've been trying to avoid.    

However, my opinion is not meant to dismiss what appears to be your honest, and sincere, but misguided, attempt to save everyone from making mistakes.

I made the mistake of giving my tenant a chance after he had been difficult with showings, when I was looking at my place and I am dealing with the worst nightmare of my life.

Not for nothing...isn't MISTAKE ONE yours for trying to invest in a "dying region"?

In our experience, the #1 mistake landlords make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.

I have written down EVERY single step I took from total beginner, to where I am now (flipping 3 houses at a time), mistakes and all.

I've obviously learnt the ins and outs of investing in real estate, which has probably saved me from costly mistakes, but what I've really learnt is how to succeed.

Most common mistake I see: calculating IRR over the full time investment, incl after refi, so many many months or years down the line.

Couple mistakes as I typed that post on my phone.