I don't think your lack of profit from the stock market directly translates to real estate, but I would be sure you study up and know what you're getting into.As for a course of study, I would start with the early podcasts available in the education tab.

On Flips you will make a tremendous amount of money if you do them right:Make full profit disclosuresUse a Skinny contract of saleHave a long study periodGet right of possessionCreate some contract "candy".

I'm also new and starting out but I have you beat on studying real estate by a year, so I can be of "some" use haha!

Books I like are obviously Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki, Real Estate Riches - Dolf De Roos, The Millionaire Real Estate investor - Gary Keller are a few good ones to start.After reading and studying for a while, you just need to do it!  

If you've been studying 5 years, you know enough to start.  

I'm currently studying emerging market trends so I have a good idea what market to hit :) Have you read anything of Dave Lindahl's?

You will almost surely save money but making a studied decision on any major purchase.  

The mechanics of it take some study and some tutoring to get down.Find an experienced investor in your market who has done some "subject to" deals and cut him or her in on the action.  

1323 Neans BLvd4/3 with study and pool

It's a tough license to get in NC, very arduous study to pass the exam.