Actually the Starting Point, which is a MLS Realtor tool that comes up with a statistical analysis (not to be confused with appraisal, but it gives a ball park figure far more accurate then Zillow) is $162,000.  

I will keep that idea in my tool box. 

It has not lead to a sale but I hope to use it as a tool to develop my Brand in Western Wisconsin.  11. 

Now, i know that there are maybe a handful of investors that are using the trademark as a free ride to name recognition but the vast majority of investors use "we buy houses" as a great marketing tool; as a sentence that has been used in real estate for tens of years before was even trademarked; and mainly because we really do buy houses.

@Dev Horn - What tools do you use to determine the equity ownership and absentee?

Having the ability to use bank mortgages is just one other tool to acquire houses.There are tons of ways to get property without good credit like seller financing, hard money, private money, etc.

The MLS is a tool I use daily.

https://arec.alabama.gov/arec/pages/consumer/tools/file_complaint.aspx

@Steven Juelke, look under "tools" in the navigation bar up top.

I know the tools available on this site as well as the knowledge and experience of the other members here will help me overcome my fears and push me towards a successful start in my real estate adventure.