We know enough to know we need to know a lot more before we pull the trigger on a deal.I've done several rehabs with my dad.

There is an LA meetup that is organized by Jeff Greenberg , connect with him and try to get on the mailing list, it is monthly, I just love going there and share my thoughts, hopefully pull trigger when I'm done improving fixing up my financials.

Thus why I say run and know the numbers, when it works pull the trigger.

sounds like you have been to nervous about pulling the trigger, just do it. go to banks about funding, if you can get enough to make a down payment, take out a mortgage with a bank. you may find it helpful to go to a couple of banks and talk to their loan officer before hand, maybe even see if you can get pre-qualified by them. getting friendly with a local bank is a good thing to do, sit down and explain to them what you are looking to do and have a lot of financial stuff with you that you can share with them, bank statements, 2 years tax returns, any retirement account info, what your current residence is worth, if you own a home, and a breakdown of your net worth for them. you will find they will be happy to talk to you and help you.

I can definitely understand large macroeconomic events being key triggers.

I fear pulling the trigger now if homes lose 20-40% in the next few years.

I like doing my research and really understanding before pulling the trigger.  

Hey guys and gals,I am ready to pull the trigger on my first investment property.

But I never pulled the trigger on a deal.

I am posting an ad on Craigslist now, but before I pull the trigger, what advice can you guys provide?