It will also help to DEFINE what area of real estate you are trying to learn or invest in.

Our next steps are deciding which types of marketing strategies we will pursue and defining our target market.

Once in a while we would even become the same "character" when starting the game and try strategies other than the ones typical to the way we play just to see what would happen.Have fun and if your in Massachusetts..

I'm finally recovered enough to start looking into real estate investing again and I'm trying to do it the right way this time - with defined goals and a clearer focus.

That being said, if you can define the type of property you are targeting, you could get a feel for the marketplace. 

Thanks @Michael Tempel for the references, I'll definately check them out. 

Sorry... anyhow, my my wife and I own a home in Virginia so we're definately interested in Long Distance.Hattie - appreciate the info on how-to-guide.

I recently did an article on this very topic...How Do You Define A Good Deal In Real Estate?

Yes, you should have a purchase agreement which will define the method, terms, conditions, etc of the purchase.  

Omar- You are correct, Indiana is still one of the states that allows a narrowly defined Lease with Option to Purchase agreement.