Since then, real estate values have gone up about 35%.Perhaps this "expert" was on to something...

I definitely recommend checking some of the real estate meetups in the area (there are plenty to choose from) to start getting connected with people in similar spots and to find resources to help.Happy to answer any questions you might have.

Hello, I am 23 and have a job with a real estate company.

Thanks to both of you guys.I'm planning this sale as a cash deal, so no real estate agents and the buyer has several other duplexes in the Peoria area (3 of them within two blocks of this house).

The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor" by Chad Carson"Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss"Long-Distance Real Estate Investing" by David Greene

I invest with my SDIRA and while it's a bit more hoops you jump through (you have to be arms length away from the transactions, can't use "disqualified" parties etc.) it's worthwhile if you're going to put it into real estate.

@Alex McGhee -- Below may help you get started:Stage 1: Educate Yourself on the Probate ProcessStep 1: Spend 1 Hour Reading about the Probate Process in Your Stateo If property does not go into a Trust then it goes to the Probate processo Google your state’s probate process and educate yourselfStep 2: Practice Explaining the Process to SomeoneStage 2: Get the Probate ListStep 1: Find Location of Probate Records at the County Courthouse or Town/City HallStep 2: Search for the Probate listings on the Computer, Day Book, or filesStep 3: If your courthouse has a computer system Record Volume and Page Numbers in ExcelStep 4: Pull Volume & Page for more Detailed Information.

The LTR is getting interest, but I'm not sure if it's real or not.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

The absolute best city or town to invest in ( do not get stuck on the notion of investing in major metros or you will miss out on many interesting opportunities) is . . . the one where you have a team you can trust, where you are able to learn the market and its nuances and get to a point where you are comfortable doing business there because you know how things work and what the market requires for success.