Get your finances in order. Don't miss out on a fantastic property because you are short of cash or have bad credit.

Become familiar with your local real-estate market. You won't know a good purchase unless you're in tune with what's available.

Network with friends, relatives, and other people you see on a daily basis. Tell everyone you are interested in buying real estate.

Take a real-estate licensing class, just for the information that it offers.

Find a mentor, someone who has already achieved success in the field. The advice will be invaluable.

Develop a professional relationship with at least one good real-estate agent. Agents are a wonderful source of information about your local real estate.

Talk to a tax professional to determine how you should progress with your business.

Find a local attorney who practices real-estate law.

Become familiar with the methods used to find public documents that are recorded online or at your county courthouse. Real-estate purchases and sales require a good deal of research, so it's important to learn how to find what you need.

Talk to locals who are already part of the local real-estate community.