One of the best resources I've ever read on Flipping is The Book On Flipping HousesCheck it out if you haven't already!

At the same time, I don't know anything about structuring a deal or landlording or any of that- I was thinking it would be better to split the profits with a mentor and learn the proper way of doing things along the way.I did buy the books to get a real estate license here in California through firsttuesday.us, and will be studying for the sales license exam.

Been buying a lot of study books.

It's not that @Dawn Anastasi isn't right, because she is... but in our market, that would also get you started on a 2/1 SFH in an ok blue collar neighborhood that would turn about $600/$650 rent.

They are both great at learning the fundamentals.Also - here's a couple articles you might enjoy:The 21 Best Real Estate Investing Books Ever How to Rent Your House: The Definitive Step by Step GuideOh - and don't forget to set up your Keyword Alerts!

I had always been interested in real estate, and with some encouragement from a couple of friends I started reading investment books and doing some research.

Two - (this is the escrow part) the HOA is in charge of regular maintenance of the exterior and "routine" painting of the exterior as it even says in their own rule book.

If you'd rather gamble tens of thousands of dollars on the same information you could get here or from reading books and taking action yourself just to feel like you've better earned your knowledge or have put in more somehow that's your perogative.

@Randy King,Get you a good insurance policy and forget about all the books and snake-oil salesmen.

Any general advice or links to articles/books/podcasts you've found especially helpful would be appreciated!