All Forum Posts by: Brian Faulkner

@Diem Tran In one of my threads someone recommended this book for learning cost estimates:

The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

@Ross Ellington You could consider volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, it's a quick way to ask questions and learn how to build a house.

Shawn Holsapple I'm setting my goal for 1-2 properties this year. I currently live in California but I grew up in Indiana, my plan is to start there as I know most the areas and I feel I can risk far less money making my first investment.

@Shawn Holsapple Thanks for your input. I will check it out. I'm currently looking for materials that walk you though the business (buy / hold / flip / financing etc..). I'm also lookin for case study material so I can walk though analysis and transactions. 

I'm not looking for it the "change your life" stuff. I already see the value in real estate investing, and it seems like there are a lot of "think like a millionaire" type books out there that fill your head with dreams instead of knowledge. 

I don't know if anything like this exists but what would be extremely helpful is a simulator that would provide me with a pool of mock properties that I would have to evaluate all factors and select the best deal. 

Ned Carey Thanks For the input. Any thoughts on the balance between educating myself vs never taking action because there is so much to learn? Seems like it would be easy to fall into the trap of never pulling the trigger on a property out of a feeling of inexperience.

Simon Campbell Thank you for the clarification.

@Andrew Cordle Thank you for the direct response.

Paul Timmins Thank you for the book recommendations I'll take a look at them. @Andrew Cordle Thank you for the direct response. Shawn Holsapple Wow, thanks for all the resources. I'll look into them. Did you find a lot of value out of Rich dad poor dad? I was about to order it but I noticed the reception on Wikipedia for the book claimed it had terrible advice. Just looking for a 2nd opinion before I order the book I don't want to derail the thread.

New member looking to get smart on buy and hold investing. Reading though all the other threads that are similar I plan to focus on the following.

• Read ultimate beginner guide
• Don't spend any $ on "Gurus"
• listen & learn from all the bigger pockets podcasts
• Get Real Estate licence for access to MLS and to write my own offers.
• Develop business/investing Goals & plan.
• Read books
• Read the forums, ask questions, and build relationships.

I currently live in California, but I grew up in the state of Indiana. I am interested in buying rental properties in Indiana as I know most of the areas very well. 

A couple questions that are not clear to me. 

• How does one get access to the MLS once you have received your license from the state?
• If you are licensed in one state can you apply for MLS access in different states (if they don't offer reciprocity) or would i also have to get licensed in the 2nd state just to get MLS access for that area? (California / Indiana)

If you have any additional tips or advice that I have left out, educate me please!