But I need to start somewhere, and formulate my approach...I viewed a 2-family house yesterday. 

It sounds like you have a pretty solid base to formulate your plan with.

Fortunately, I was able to formulate an agreement that the existing neighbor agreed to - sweating bullets because the sale depended on his cooperation- and that the bank/buyer agreed to.  

I'm formulating a plan to get out of it completely and get my feet (more) wet in real estate. 

Start with formulating your new layout around any existing plumbing sources, and then go through the same questions outlined above.  

I'm all for mulled wine and peppermint schnapps/hot chocolate!

.- then finally, you need to have the confidence in you research and ability to make your first purchase.To buy your first property after you have done all the necessary research and have all of the necessary information confirmed by your boots on the ground, you only need to formulate accurate offers based on the formula for profit that you have established.

About flying to Atlanta, I'm not sure that will do me any good because I don't think he'd meet with me.I'm going to read all of the responses that I get today then try to formulate a plan.

I was inspired by J's books that I formulated all of his sample spreadsheets a bit further by adding checkboxes to his sample rehab costs sheet I walk the property with my iPad, check the box next to the item in the home that needs changed to where I walk out of the home with a running total (estimated) costs on what it will take to reno the home.  

Formulate your own views on what people are saying. 2) real estate investing is entirely a contact sport.