Before You Invest

Strategy as defined here would be the science of planning and directing exactly how you intend on proceeding to maximize your profit potential through investing in real estate. Without a sound strategy and consistently executable tactics you may find that the result of the long, hard efforts have only led you to frustration and a less than sought after result.

Things to Consider
Planning to move out of the area in a couple of years? If so you may be better off not buying a home now. The cost of selling a house generally falls in a range of 7% - 8% of the sale price which may be more than the appreciation of the house.Thinking about changing jobs? It might be best to wait until after your purchase.
Look at your work history. Is it sporadic or did you just start a new job? Lenders like to see someone with a steady work history and with job changes in the same line of work.
Lenders will require your work history along with past tax returns. Look at your credit report before you go to a lender. It is not uncommon to find problems with reports, especially if you have a common last name. If you find a problem, start with the reporting agency to clear it up. It is common to have a late payment at some time or another. These problems can usually be taken care of with a letter of explanation from you to the lender

If you're just beginning or starting out with a small amount of capital then you will most likely have to find _ em and fix'em on the first one or two properties. By finding them and fixing them, then selling on your own, you will limit the amount of initial expense that you incur. Naturally you will keep more of the profit as a result. The trouble with this technique is that you eat up valuable time that could be more profitably spent on finding more great deals!