Flipping foreclosures 101

What have the Internet, late-night infomercials and the A&E network done to our collective conscience?

Well, they've gone and made everybody think they're potential real estate investors, that's what.

You, yes you, for the low, low price of $49.99 can order this top-rated brochure, "How to Make a Million Bucks by Investing in Real Estate."

It's a scam. They're all scams.

And you don't need no stinkin' scams.

If you're interested in breaking into real estate investment and in particular, flipping houses, How a First Time House Flip Went Bad is a quick and easy read that will help prime you for what to really expect.

Undaunted? OK, I refer you next to a very well-informed article in this week's Toledo Blade, Foreclosures open doors for investors, by Gary T. Pakulski.

And that didn't cost you a penny.