Gurus who are selling courses on wholesaling make it sound like this is as easy as making a couple of web sites or posting a few ads on craigslist, filling out the contracts, and collecting a big check.Its not.

I just got on Home Depot's web site, and they sell one for $623 to give you an idea of cost.Personally I don't like the idea.

You should still be able to find a lot of owners' names by doing a reverse address lookup in the phone book/phone web site.I wouldn't pay for anything until after the contract is signed, since most offers are rejected.Make sure your contract has some wording like "seller will provide clear and equitable title" so you're not legally stuck paying for a worthless quit claim deed.Don't give the seller any earnest money directly.

Also, make sure you know your financing terms and numbers as that will have a large impact on your actual ability to turn a profit.As for the contract details, I would suggest using a state sales contract, a reputable closing company (who can guide you through the process), and make sure you get owner's title insurance.

I was planning to start with pre-forclosure/short sale investing (buy/hold) working directly with the sellers and banks but not sure if this is even a viable option anymore.My primary background is in the information systems and web development.Thank you everyone for contributing to the forum and providing me with a lot of reading material.

how do you get all that information from a homepath listing or web site listing.. where would you get all that information form?

You will find the people who have good reputations and who conduct business in an ethical and transparent manner.

As far as everyone is concerned, they're renting a home from some company, apparently a small one because it doesn't have a web site.

****I am a web designer and I try to use WP for all my projects for many reasons but several of them being that the flexibility and simplicity is second to none.

Double close will almost certainly incur the transfer tax on both transfers.Look on the PA secretary of state's web site for the cost.