I guess my initial question is more along the lines of software for book keeping. i.e expense reports for individual houses, business expenses as a whole etc.

Our suburban Chicago community has so many members we've outgrown our meeting place (where we've been since BEFORE the crash), has weekly study groups to help people understand what they are learning and monthly all-day workshops where one of the instructors from our classes (I believe we are up to 20 instructors now, 49 classes totalling about 500 hours of on-line material available 24/7) comes out and teaches without selling anything.We have other communities around the country, as well.If that's "too good to be true", then good luck to you.One couple in our community just finished a 32-unit project (in four buildings) providing housing for homeless veterans: rents guaranteed by the VA.

I can throw out some general numbers for you, knowing that it will depend on a variety of factors for your individual situation.

The books don't teach you much about real estate investing so it is important to find a brokerage firm that works with what you have envisioned for your self and your real estate goals. 

I am willing to learn from anyone who will take the time to teach me how to get started in this business.

How individual states handle that is different, some don't care so much and other love to write contractors fines.Getting a lead abatement license is a compeletely different thing.

Keep reading the forms and listening to the podcast.Also if you want to get an individuals attention us the @ symbol and start to write their name.If you like what someone writes, give them a vote for appreciation.

Offer to do anything they might need help with in exchange for teaching you the ropes of the foreclosure auction.

An individual in a long term care nursing facility is likely to have diminished capacity.A little detective work may lead you to the facility, but that may not be helpful as laws will interfere with facility revealing if your party resides in their facility.You might find your owner but not be wise to get your purchase docs signed by this person. 

I think it is unusual for for a broker to give an individual the lockbox code but thats his issue.