I don't mean to go against the grain of those who are selling that idea - all I can say is that it did not work for me.So.......... back to taking seminars, buying cassette tapes and books - I wanted to learn everything I could about investing in real estate ---- so--I had to get money, working capital, and I needed to go on the cheap - A friend told me about cheap properties you could buy in Baltimore - houses for only $2-3,000 and many of them could be found at public auctions.After borrowing some money and getting some credit cards and a new job - one in sales - I was ready - ready to invest in cheap- junk properties in the City.And wouldn't you know it - I got lucky at my first auction and purchased a cheap house that was boarded up - Because of all those expensive seminars I enrolled in I WAS READY - prepared with my pry-bar, flash light, level, marble and probe - I decided to go to this building that was being auctioned the next day - I sort of removed some plywood and crawled through a window to take a look -Boy was I surprised - this place looked great - I later found out that the estate boarded it to keep squatters out.The next day - I was ready with my deposit and waiting for the auctioneer to start his melodious hypnotic chant - 5 bidders appeared but did not bid because they could not get it - I was the only bidder and got the house real cheap.Today as an auctioneer, investor and developer of commercial properties - if someone would ask my opinion on how to get started I would suggest ---Continue to study but learn how to cut through the BSGet a credit line Learn 20 creative financing techniques - no money down systems (that is none of your own money)Hang with a few successful investors and pick - pick - pick their brain*** Look at 50 houses in the area you intend to invest (not expensive, blue collar, mixed rental and home owner neighborhoods)When you are finished looking at 50 properties - you will be armed with knowledge that most agents and other investors don't have - knowledge of values -Keep a journal, put listings in it, write down everything the agent or owner says, keep a record of the cost per square foot - this will help determine values -Have agents send you expired listings - go knock on the door or send a letter to ask if they are still accepting offers on the property - Remember an expired listed is a property that failed to sell - the seller should still be motivated to sell. 

I have been looking into buying one of the multi family buildings and putting it back into rental shape and be able to continue and do it over and over to help these neighborhoods not only have great affordable rental opportunities but also to have a brighter future that I can be a part of.

I would really love to have the opinions and advice of those on BiggerPockets that may have faced similar issues (or just those brighter than me of which I think there are many here).  

I was just reviewing an ad I posted yesterday and think I need to adjust the gamma of a shot to make it brighter.

the extra 2amp batteries will be helpful when you're using your flashlight and radio at the same time with bigger drills etc. 

My schedule has always been hectic (single mom with 2 kids), but if you're passionate about making your dreams come true and your future that much brighter, you go for it! 

If you are serious about getting your family the brighter future that you mentioned, you will find ways to make/have the time and/or risk the money.

Brighter days, Kris.

Also, see if you can get brighter pcitures. 

I thought about painting the brick white & stucco grey to give it more curb appeal, plus make it a brighter property.