where do I start?

Any of Deans books? because that would be an excellent starting place:) I kid, but really, this site is a good start for learning and obsorbing knowledge, and the people you'll talk with here are amazing! Since I have no Idea where you are in your journey, I'm afraid I don't have much to offer, sorry. I however am starting with putting together my 2011 action plan and have already started taking steps toward building my buyer's list and looking for a real estate agent wou'll work with me.

Get back with me if you need any ideas, mabe we can bounce ideas off one another, since we're both new n' all

When I started in RE 8 years ago, I looked at a variety of avenues in RE. The truth is, there are a LOT of ways to make money in RE, but don't try to do them all. Find what fits you. I chose lease options because of almost no risk. The actual pros only do 1..maybe 2 techniques...not 20! So...find what fits you. Maybe it's wholesaling, maybe it's lease options...maybe rehab..make a list of the top 4 or 5 that INTEREST you...not where you can make the most...and list pros and cons of each.

Thankyou John for your post.I think it is a way for me to decide easier how to get started as there are many avenues (no pun) one could take. Silverhound.

Read read read read! Talk to people! Network! Read some more. Get "Your Town Your Real Estate Profits." "Be a Real Estate Millionaire." Read both of them 10 times if you have to! Put in the time and hard work!

First ask yourself if you are looking to get into a deal and make a lump sum of money then get out (this is a great way to build seed money). Or are you looking to build residual income through rentals?

Lump sum money would be a fast cash strategy
residual income would come from cash-flow techniques.

Fast cash techniques
bird-dog (no money down)
assignment of contract (no money down)
double close (no money down)
buy & sell
buy, fix & sell

Cash-flow techniques
rentals
lease options
sandwich lease options (no money down)
seller financing (possible no money down)

The key is to determine what you are trying to accomplish then what resources you have or can use.

for example: if you are looking to make a lump sum of money and no money or credit to put into a deal then you'll want to use bird-dog, assignment of contract or double close.

there is a ton of info on each of these subjects in this site, it is awesome!!

Wish You Well

Go look on the left hand corner of the site where it says "Start Here FAQ's" Lots of good info for navigating this site...