Shop for something you can afford, and if your disciplined and save money every month you could in fact put the wheels in motion for owning your own home.Advise: If you credit is damaged find yourself a good "Partner" and offer them some experience and put some skin in the game... say cash for a down payment  ;) The numbers:2B/1B, 1275 SQFT Huge Detatched 2 car garage.Asking price 100KMarket price 120KWe bid 85K( Someone else bid)Changed our bid to 100KThey countered 102KWe drew a line in the sand and stuck to 100KGot credited 5K+2500K in closing.We settled at 95KPut 10K down and have a 85K loan @ 4.375The house needs 15K in repairs.The location is in the best part of town, has 6 schools in less then 2 miles.

It is a numbers game and you need to get the phone to ring to find the truly motivated seller.  

As a newbie and still learning the language of the real estate investor game,I know attending meet ups and networking is a good way to meet possible mentors my question is should I have business cards with me if so what type of info should be on it??

My short term goal would be to become a “Student of the Game” and to hopefully mentor under and add value to a seasoned local REI investor's business for free in return for their teachings, guidance and mentorship....this is priceless.Until that day happens, I would not be opposed to changing jobs and going to work for a company that acquires and flips properties or wholesales in or out of state.In order to attain my goals I have done the following:* Read the Beginners Guide to Real Estate Investing *Located 3 REI clubs based on testimonials and referrals.

I'm new to the  game also, is there a difference between a fico score and a credit score?

Learn the game.

Then I give seminars teaching how folks can get into the paper game.

Those markets have definitely been the most talked about for sure, and I wouldn't necessarily say you are late to the game on those but they have definitely changed since everyone was talking about them.

One way to be a true investor in the real estate game is to finance the deals. 

Im just not ready for that risk so early in the game.