Drive by Houses, Learn Neighborhoods

Hi, everyone!

It's been a while since I've posted on here. Truth is that I was getting stumped. I was getting stumped about what to write. More importantly, I was getting stumped about what to DO.

I don't know the truly right answer, but I did something that I should have done a LONG time ago as a beginning investor. I looked up some houses on Yahoo Real Estate (you can use other sources, too), and I drove by the houses.

This forced me to take action. I needed something to get "my ball" moving again.

This forced me to look at neighborhoods.

Hopefully, I can look at some of these houses with a realtor sometime soon. However, even if that doesn't materialize, I started thinking of real estate not only as an isolated property but as being part of a neighborhood--part of the whole package.

This takes some time. Well, the research takes very little time, but driving to find the places does. I bet it will take less time as I get to know my surrounding neighborhoods better.

So you beginning investors...if you aren't already, go check the web for places to visit.

Getting Started: Motivation: Ask Questions

I'm new in the real estate game. While there are some investors who seem very elitist, the good news is that MOST people seem to be really helpful.

What does this have to do with motivation?

When you're beginning something new, especially something as big as real estate, it can be overwhelming. I have a lot of suggestions for motivating yourself. What is one of easiest ways to do this? Simply find other experts and ask for advice.

Most people LOVE to be experts. Plus, you get some ideas at a pace that is MUCH quicker than you can learn by reading a book. They can talk to you about their personal experiences. If they're really good, they can adjust their explanation to your understanding level.

So, feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start? Just ask!