I recently obtained two lots thru tax sales where the houses burned down in very nice neighborhoods.

Sure way to crash and burn.

It was always fun to follow them after a client got burned and try to regain the clients confidence in mankind again.

because you're 'cutting- in on the banksters and BIG RE's, etc. action... under the usual guise of 'little man' corruption, while the fat elephants steal everyone, even blinder???

@Cassidy Burns Welcome to bigger pockets!

@Kenneth Hong  strong renter markets in the Midwest also equals little to no appreciation.. so if you have no appreciation its cheaper to rent over the long haul.. and you just don't have the same burning desire to own like you do with folks on the west coast or prime east coast or other higher priced markets.. 

@Shazia Chiu Cold calling will get you some business, but it is very hard and burns you out.  

Invest your time in really learning the market, and knowing your **** inside & out, then come up with a specific strategy & goal and your money will work a lot better for you, don't just jump into something because you have a couple bucks burning a hole in your pocket. 

A couple words of advice to help you avoid places where I've gotten burned already:Trust but verify when going through a house showing, especially your final house inspection before closing.

Just be sure you can still feed yourself if it all burns down.