The challenge is finding one that really will actually train.

The first house we took a lot of things at face value and really struggled with the budget because of it.

.* It would make their land into a more cohesive piece.The access that they currently have is challenging..it would cost a great deal to get water and electric that far ( if they even want to do that).

Firstly, I want to say how grateful I am for all those that responded to my last post - it is a testament to the amazing community BiggerPockets has built in the outpouring of insightful and in-depth replies that I received to a number of questions that I posed in my "I'm new, I don't know what to do - Gurus and Gotchas" post from last week.This week I continued to focus on a number of beginner hurdles that I am sure many people face when they are diving into real estate investing for the first time.

Depending on your age and goals.. you will want to find a stand that is 30 to 50 year old.. so that in 20 to 40 years its mature.. professionally replanted stands  are best as the BF per acre at maturity will be much higher than a naturally seeded site.Excessive slope will mean higher logging costs so don't buy a property that is as steep as a cows face although no parcels are flat. or generally thats correct.Google earth is your friend.. and you can see a lot on arials...

If you purchased it in an arms length transaction for substantially less than $120k, you likely have grounds to challenge that valuation and have it reduced.Anecdotally, I've had some RE attorneys and investors tells me they have properties that they'd consider selling, were it not for their very low property tax valuation. 

There are at least some jurisdictions in which you could face serious fines, if not moderate jail time, for the practice of wholesaling AND bird dogging.

Here are the key questions to think through before you get it going:1) what do you want to buy2) how much can we afford3) how will you pay for it 3) what are you going to do with it afterHere is how we tackled this challenge:1) Find a reputable and responsive agent to work with: we worked with @Sharon Tzib2) Get pre-qualified with a good and local lender that work with investors: we usedd Rochelle Frazeur from New American. 3) Use some good MLS criteria to set up lists with your agent3) Find out how to identify a good deal: We got our hands on some good cash flow analysis calculators (thanks to @Sharon Tzib) and we used the calculators on BP as well4) Make neighborhood visits to those areas of your interest5) Find other venues to meet up with other investors or go to workshops and meet up's: We've attended BP meet up in Houston, events with Jet Lending, meeting with Wholesalers, and we've met one-on-one with other investors6) Look for non-MLS sources to find properties for sale: wholesalers, and local listing through Rich club or word of the mouth7) Talk to the property manager if you are planning on using on.

hello Elizabeth,I live in Summerville SC and would love to talk/ face time and do some business together.I moved down from DC last year and sold my rentals up there (5) 2 duplexes and a SF.

What has been your challenge in getting into real estate in the area?