Today's post was originally published on the blog, "Bigger Pockets" by Josh Dorkin.  It is being used by permission.  What he says is so true.  Most real estate investors are ordinary, honest people, but like anything, you have to watch out for the "sharks".  Adding to this, I will say, "Don't believe everything you see or hear."  Some things are different state by state.  For example, my state is a non-judicial state for foreclosures.  Meaning there are not any lis pendes filed, and no court hearing.  A friend of mine went to an expensive weekend "bootcamp" workshop for investing in foreclosures.  His most valuable piece of information he gained was to go get the names of those in pre foreclosure from the lis pendas at the court house.  The only problem was, in our state, it didn't work that way.  Also, when reading my blog or Josh's blog, we will not intentionally mislead you.  However, don't hesitate to read more books, or hear more speakers on any subject. Although be very sure before investing in the expensive, "all inclusive" courses.  Often they do not tell you all of the story. Then you will better be able to sort out what will work, and what is not useful.  This is called "due diligence". Educating yourself, checking out sources, and checking out state laws, is all important.  Here is the link to the article.  Thank You Josh!