I'm looking for a book that covers topics on how to locate the best properties to flip, how to maximize your profit from specific renos, how to market your properties yourself, and basically a top to bottom strategic guide on flipping properties.

Some of the advice is just plain stupid while others are pretty good.Bottom line....Read it for motivation, but seek other resources for "how-to".

I would suggest hooking up with a real estate agent in your area who can guide you to some good comps.

Make sure to read the Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing

We have several resources and ties to the community.

Take advantage of this free resource to answer all of your questions about real estate investing using an option.

My idea is that some one on here will team up with me and guide me through it all and we will make some money.

With thousands of members now, the Forums here at BiggerPockets have become a true resource for real estate investors.

There are a lot of resources on this site to help you,and as you look for your first deal, there's a lot ofwisdom here to help you.So pitch in to the conversations, make some new friends,and settle down for some serious networking.

The only way to settle that 2nd lien for less...or the 1st lien, is to have the home owner notify the lender that they have a buyer and it will be a short sale because the owner can not make payments and has exhausted all his resources.