Remember they have overhead, hopefully have good employees. 

I understand this is a loaded question and most of the people on this forum are quite busy, but as a newbie who is only equipped with capital and a vision, what is the “rule of thumb” I should remember as I start out?

If you are doing real estate full time, become an "expert" in your niche, establish a solid investment criteria that is aligned with your beliefs, investment goals and risk tolerance and start growing from there.

I have used several of the most common beginner strategies in order to acquire real estate and grow my portfolio.

Hi Candice The amount you should pay for a house all depends on where you’re buying it (Remember location, location, location) and what other properties just like yours recently sold for.  

Since most agents are not very good, the companies figured out that the best way to ensure the company’s success is to get an army of cheap labor out there canvassing for exclusive listings — for the company, not the agent, remember.

As @Edward B. alludes to, think about how well that 40% can grow in your 401K, The house would have to cash flow like a best to be worth the difference.

tell the buyers to wear it, go to the other offers and get someone non FHA or  make a deal... remember, it is all about NET, not when....

I've purchased my list from list source of 600 solid leads (Absentee, 50%(+) equity, 10+ year deed, target zip code here Columbus that I from an investor for a good growing area).

I do remember one member who had something like 12,000 posts and 900 votes.