I have great skill with budgeting, project engineering and planning, and a good understanding of the local StP suburbs and where people (especially young professionals like myself) would like to rent and what a nice place would look like.

Start by getting good LICENSED contractors from all of the various trades to inspect it and prepare plans and budgets to bring it up to code.Also, asbestos and lead-based paint are probably involved, and must be assumed to be present until known otherwise.

http://www.kw.com/kw/shift.htmlhttp://www.amazon.com/The-5-Essential-People-Skills/dp/B000FCH3SUhttp://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/ref=sr_1_1?

I day trade as well, and would like to add that I will never own a condo again.

Agents don't promise to buy a property.That being said, over the years I've developed more skills and my marketing is now bringing me possible listings.

It totally depends on where you're starting, how much capital you have available, how much time you have available, what your skill set is...I think the best way to start is to read as much as you can on this site (and listen to the podcasts).

I would love to use my skills to help out others so that I could learn from their investing experience.

I think it's time I used those skills to build a solid real estate portfolio.

Since it is not located within close distance of the beach (this is the first thing potential customers ask).I have also attempt to trade my "free and clear" house with another that is near the beach.

Plus, I don't think that many of the various flipping TV shows have helped, they seem to create an image of flipping as being a way for people to make outrageous profits overnight and also to cut corners.So, I'd really like to create a brand name for my projects, something like how a new home builder uses their trade name on the houses they build and sell.