A big lot is an additional expense that produces no income-in my view.

You should link up with @Mark Faustrum and @Joe Mueller they are both in the area and doing deals on a regular basis.Just make sure you have a good inspector and have some money in reserves. 

If you're interested in working virtually most of the regulars on the tax forums here are REI specizlized and work with clients all over the country. 

Personally, I would never buy an investment property that doesnt produce a positive cashflow.

The only problem is I doubt the bank will give me a loan, b/c I don't have a regular source of income. 

Real estate is considered to be a “staple good”, which are specific goods that are consumed by people on a regular basis.

They cannot.Think this through and figure a way to get some 'skin in the game', however small......maybe offer to contribute even $100 a week from your regular job.Then go get some real world experience in the field.....volunteer at a RE office as a gofer, or at a construction jobsite as a clean-up guy....that will impress a lot of people.....Good luck!

With such demanding pursuits it is incredibly easy to get side tracked and not do the tasks that actually produce results.

Real estate is considered to be a “staple good”, which are specific goods that are consumed by people on a regular basis.

You might be a redneck investor if - The strong smell of cate urine in a property for sale makes you smileA property for sale sign cause you to slam on the brakes A tenant threatens to call a lawyer and it bothers you about as much as them calling their chiropractor You can estimate $30K in repairs after a 15 minute walk around You know the comps of every neighborhood within 25 miles of where you liveYou have a contact phone number for every profession needed to buy, remodel or build a houseYou would rather walk a building site than a golf courseYou can lay flooring, hang a ceiling fan, and set a toilet without Google or YouTubeHalf of the employees at Lowes and Home Depot recognize you as a regular Your HVAC guy invites you to the company Thanksgiving lunch