I'm looking for knowledge and experience.

I'm currently staying in NY but I work in MA mostly and found some decent deals on some houses and was wondering if anyone could tell me how to get started.

Do you have a full knowledge of the RTA and how the LTB both interprets and makes rulings based on it. 

Schooling in my town is amazing, so there is no issue with that.Transportation to NYC is literally 2 minutes on every corner to the bus, so that isn't an issue.Additionally, I was told that I should stay away from homes with oil tanks for heating because if the oil tank was to leak, the soil would be contaminated and it would cause a big headache and a big whole in my wallet.

Here are some typical ones:1. subject to my partners approval (your pet rat can be your partner)2. 120 inspection (we have world class inspectors...and they stay booked)3. subject to a 60 year mortgage at -0- interest If these aren't enough you can go to the "wholesaling" forums and find plenty of advice from frauds and scammers. 

If this person that is close to you can not convince that you can do it then you might not actually have the knowledge to succeed.

Feel free to jump in the community here and also take advantage of the treasure of knowledge here.

You're going to want to surround yourself with people involved in real estate so you can apply the knowledge you learn and ask questions on things you're unclear on.Also, meet with some bankers.  

I want a knowledgeable real estate agent that knows the area really well.

They can tell you more about the auction and anyone on the BP site can as they have direct knowledge.