4. Some investors have a "knack" for making money. Sort of. More accurately, some just took time and risk to learn market and continue their education.

5. You need to know "right" people. It helps, so start process. Talk to investors, real estate agents, landlords, etc.

6. You have to be great negotiator. If you learn to run numbers and make offers based on them, you can be worst negotiator and still do okay.

8. You need insider knowledge. Understand one deal, and you are on your way. Read and read more, but best "insider" knowledge comes from experience.

9. Fixer-uppers are safe. People have idea that doing work themselves is safest way to assure a profit. Not true. Mis-planned "fix and flips" have bankrupted even experienced investors. Most poorly purchased rental properties will only eat a little money every month.

10. The key is lowball offers. The numbers have to work, and you need a plan. You can offer MORE than market price and make money investing in real estate, if you understand creative financing - and how to do math.

Americans carry, on average, $5,800 in credit card debt from month to month. People, that's crazy! Credit card debt you don't pay off at end of month is one of most expensive debts you can carry. Instead, why not take out a personal loan at a lower interest rate, pay off your credit cards and pay them off each month? If you can't summon willpower to pay them off and not overspend, cut them up. Seriously. You'll save a fortune in long run. Also, consider taking money from your mortgage if you have a felxible "draw down" facility and use that to pay off your credit cards... your mortgage will be one of cheapest forms of debt available to you. Of course, if you do this and then go back to overspending on your cards, it will land you with more and more debt, so ONLY take on cheaper debt to pay off more expensive debt. You'll save on difference between two interest rates.

Finally, please seek advice from a qualified professional before taking any action or not taking any action related to your financial matters. The author take no responsibility for your actions.