There are some more complex mathematical ways to calculate backwards such as using a Net Present Value calculation but if this is all new, stick with the easy math first.

They are not easy to get, expensive, and bring a wealth of great information.

Yes long term leases can enter into the picture but that is easy to avoid if you know how, but again never a problem even once.

It's easy to consume learning....

Otherwise it can get complicated as you really are putting buyers and sellers together, facilitating sales.You need to read your state statutes very carefully word for word as to what requires a real estate license and then don't do those things if you don't have a license.You can be an employee or memebr in a LLC that buys or sells, as a principal, in other words if BAC LLC buys a property and you are a memeber of BAC LLC, you can then be entitled to profits for the work you perform in that LLC.Another way is for you to take an option to buy and then sell your option, this is placing you in a position of havine an interest in the transaction, but those you sell to may have financing issues with this, it also depends on property restrictions or title limitations as beeing seen as sales during a restriction to conveyances, again check and see how these issues are viewed locally.Generally, you can not act as a third party between a buyer and seller and simply arrange or introduce deals and be paid a fee independly as that is a function of a real estate agent/broker.Lastly, it's easy to get a bad reputation amoung Realtors if you're known as a birddog, they will likely see you as unlicensened competiton and expect them to complain and report your activities.

They make it sound easy.

The easy way: Have enough cash for a 25-30% down payment plus the rehab and all your closing costs.

Avoiding the due on sale clause is easy - buy properties that don't have loans on them.

There is no such thing as a dumb question here.Freddie Mac deals are not easy.

I think I could have sold tires and been successful, maybe not as successful as in RE, but RE was not the key to success, simply a means to make money, for me it was (is) easy money, but I enjoyed my business, my contributions and assisting others who wanted to achieve something.