I know there are classes around Houston that allow you to get a license, learn about the investing portion, etc. Is that the best option, or do these classes just give you a general overview? Are there great books out there that are beneficial? Etc....
You should watch the local TV stations at 2 or 3 in the morning. They have plenty of shows talking about how easy it is to make money investing in real estate.
Fine a mentor if you can. Reading about it can help you get started, but having mentor there really helps you avoid the mistakes that first time real estate investors often make.
Yes, classes aren't too bad of an idea. As it turns out there really is no "Golden Gate Bridge" so, I'm sad to say, no longer own my portion of it. I bought a beachfront beach house in Galveston 18 months ago and have 100% appreciation on my beach house. Power of prayer, boys, power of prayer. And I'm really kind of an idiot, but it works.
Make a realization like when my hairstylist started giving me stock tips that we are in a nationally inflated market and that its at the point that everyone thinks they can make money in real estate. Don't get me wrong, there are truly profits to be made at all times and from all markets, but the profit margins are lower now and the prices are higher. So if you don't have experience and a reasonably deep pocket, its best to sit on the sidelines and learn from the experience. The houston housing market is actually much more attractive than the east and west coast as well as the manuf. cities like Detroit and Cleveland where unemployment grows. But its a niche market, and with building materials like cement, wood and steel going up in price, there is not that much room for error for rookies.
