Howard Small recently hosted a fantastic online Webinar, “Real Estate Money Machine,” during which he walked the class through current and former economic cycles and how housing is/was affected (i.e. pricing and making a profit).

He pinpointed the strategies to use during a cooler market. We also walked away with a great tool that was FREE to all who attended — his One-Minute Analysis.

Howard illustrated the different markets and what potential spread an investor could profit from. He taught profit-making principles where you can “invest small” and the potential timeframe to put that profit in your pocket.

In addition, Howard touched on the tools that are available for investors to use for finding great deals, potential buyers and motivated sellers. Audience members had an opportunity to give feedback on what some of their current challenges are today. They also asked several specific questions pertaining to them personally that Howard shared his insight on.

Lastly, he walked us through real world examples for today’s housing cycle and how to profit now. If you somehow missed this can’t-miss Webinar catch it on Foreclosure.com On Demand right now! Click here.

… we’ve got them in the most recent edition of the Foreclosure.com monthly email newsletter, “Investment Exchange,” which is now available for FREE right here.

Our April edition is the first of a two-part series that focuses on foreclosure investing, covering everything from how to find great foreclosure deals to how to analyze and flip them for monster profits.

We also provide educational resources that will help you better understand the foreclosure investing process, as well as some pitfalls for which beginners need to look out.

In addition, the newsletter contains a bonus article from Wall Street Journal best-selling author, nationally renowned speaker and major real estate investor, Robert Shemin.

To check it all out right now for FREE click here.

In our last post, we asked the Shakespearean-esque question:

“To flip or not to flip.

So … you’re here.

Now what?

We will assume that because you are on Foreclosure.com that you are interested in becoming a real estate investor.

But, what kind of an investor do you want to be?

The great thing about getting involved with the real estate market is that there are so many different avenues you can explore.

Regardless of which direction you choose to go, the best way to start is to find property to buy below market value through our site. Whether you are interested in tax sales, bankruptcy sales, foreclosure auctions or bank-owned properties, buying “right

Whether it’s jumping off the high diving board or out of an airplane, these thrilling activities can create a sense of fear and anxiety. At the same time, however, they can also produce an incredible adrenaline rush that makes you want to do it over and over again.

Buying your first home or real estate investment is no different.

The process can seem daunting at first because of all the little things you need to know. But, the end result can be very rewarding both financially and personally.

Here are the three key ingredients to help allay your fear of the unknown and to ensure success in the real estate market:

• Preparation
• Investigation
• Education

Naturally, before you jump into the pool, it is a good idea to check the depth of the water so you don’t break your neck. Likewise, before you buy your first piece of property, you need to do your homework.

Surround yourself with knowledgeable people. Find an experienced local real estate agent to provide you with comparable sales in the area or do your own research with online resources such as Zillow.com.

Next, reach out to an experienced mortgage specialist who can explain all the different types of loan programs available to you. To make sure that you are not going to end up investing in a “money pit,

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer with limited resources, or an experienced investor looking for new avenues to increase your return on investment, the foreclosure market represents a great opportunity for people at all skill levels to be successful in real estate.

However, a general lack of confidence — and knowledge — in how to maximize this potential investment opportunity often keeps many would-be investors on the sidelines.

For these folks, we offer the following advice:

• Get smart. Familiarize yourself with what type of properties are available in your price range. While you may be focused on a particular neighborhood, it may be financially prudent to consider a nearby community to get a better deal. In addition, perform research online or at the local library to learn more about the foreclosure laws and guidelines in your state.
• Attend a few auctions. Before actually bidding on a property, it is a good idea to first familiarize yourself with the auction process. It’s quite an experience, and it can be overwhelming and intimidating if you don’t know what to expect. You can find the dates and times of nearby public foreclosure auctions in the local newspaper, at the courthouse or on Foreclosure.com.
• Try and buy before auction. There are risks associated with purchasing a foreclosure, which you can minimize altogether by making a homeowner an offer during preforeclosure. This will also enable you to inspect the property and negotiate a fair deal one-on-one with a motivated seller without the pressure and complexity of bidding at auction.
• Get an agent. Real estate professionals can help you verify whether or not a foreclosed home has any liens — such as unpaid property taxes — or any other headaches that could become your responsibility as the buyer.
• Inspect the property. While many foreclosures may be in perfectly-good shape, some may need extensive repairs and may not represent the best investment option. Never purchase a property sight unseen.
• Prepare to move quickly. Because the foreclosure market is highly competitive, be ready to hit the ground running and move fast when you find a good deal. Check your credit report and pre-qualify for a mortgage.

The first step is to learn how the foreclosure process works and research the types of opportunities available in your own backyard. Virtually every type of real estate transaction is complex, but given the opportunities for savings within the foreclosure market, it’s worth the time for you to get online and get educated.