I called a scrap yard, they picked it up with a flat bed and I got $200.A homeless guy was squatting in a place.

My best advice, pick a strategy and fully indulge in it.  

A visit with a Broker over lunch who does multi-families to pick his/her brain would not be a bad idea. 

I work with many licensed folks who do just that, their message being basically "I can buy for this or list it for that" Even if you do not work the listing yourself, you should be able pass a listing to someone else, split commission and get paid legally.Now your task will be finding people who want or need to sell their property, triaging the best solution for each, make your offer and use the appropriate paper to get the job done.In this process, you'll come across those deals you can cherry pick for yourself once you determine your own buying strategy and holding criteria.Each step can be planned and executed according to your investment plan as @Amber Forkey suggested.Hope that helps

There's also "driving for dollars" where you pick good neighborhoods and try to find houses that are distressed, and door knock those.

Pick an asset class: Class A, B, C & D properties, research pros & cons, pick one to focus onPick a real estate market that matches your resources & goalsContact local agents & PMC’s to start sending you listings to analyzeAnalyze a few deals weekly, get comfortable with the market and refine what you're looking for

@Shacora Sligh 1) Pick your niche and stick to it.

Perhaps it makes more sense to pick up another property with that equity rather than improve this one.What is the consensus? 

I'm just starting to learn about it and I'd love to pick your brain as a newer agent.Best,Stephen

I just wanted to hop on here and clear up a few things. 1) Yes the market is on fire right now and prices are high, we all know this. 2) Yes there are still many great deals for investors too pick up.