Today, many people are flocking to real estate investing seminars and workshops in hopes of achieving their financial dreams. Late night infomercials promise to teach anyone how to buy a home with no money down and flip it for a huge profit. Others claim to teach investors how to make millions in commercial properties. While it is true real estate investing can be highly profitable, it's not quite as easy as some of the guru's would like you to believe.

Before you spend money on real estate investing seminars or home study courses, spend time conducting research on the different types of investment opportunities. One of the most efficient places to locate real estate investing information is via the Internet. However, use caution as you peruse the vast amount of information on the World Wide Web. Unfortunately, there are numerous scams that offer promises that cannot be delivered.

While it might be tempting to order a home study course, do yourself a favor and look for real estate investing companies who offer a free newsletter or e-book. Subscribe to as many real estate investing newsletters as you can find. This will allow you time to get to know the person behind the program. Look for real estate investing groups through Yahoo!, MSN or Google Groups. These groups consist of individuals who share their knowledge and resources for free.

Your local library is another good source for locating real estate investing information. Many libraries offer real estate investing courses on DVD or VHS tape. Patrons are allowed to checkout videos or DVDs at no charge, so be certain to ask the librarian if your library offers this service. This will provide you the opportunity to review the materials before investing money in them.

Check the Classifieds and Real Estate sections of your local newspaper to locate real estate investing seminars in your area. Oftentimes, Realtors offer free or low-cost investing seminars, which allow you to meet Realtors who can help you locate investment properties.

Attending real estate seminars will help you determine which type of investing is best suited for you. Do you want to invest in single dwelling homes, duplexes, condominiums? Do you want long-term or seasonal rental property? Would you prefer a property that requires total renovation or minor cosmetic touch-ups? Perhaps commercial real estate is more appealing to you?

One type of real estate investing that is becoming quite popular with both novice and seasoned investors is known as "house flipping". In this type of investment, homes in need of repair are purchased under market value. Investors either personally make the repairs or hire contractors to perform the work. In addition to repairs, these homes oftentimes require renovations including new countertops, flooring, household appliances, and landscaping.

House flipping is a relatively easy way to get started in real estate investing. It has become appealing to the average American who doesn't have a ton of money to spend, but who is willing to put in the physical labor to make repairs.

One of the main benefits of house flipping is it can be done in your spare time. Repairs and renovations can be done during the evening and weekend hours. It can become a family project or one you work on with your friends. Renovating a home and selling it for a profit is quite a rewarding experience. Chances are, once you finish your first house flip, you'll be addicted and eager to locate another distressed property.

With the influx of bank foreclosures, numerous real estate investing opportunities are being presented. Currently, bank owned REO (real estate owned) properties have become an investor's dream. Those who have cash-in-hand can purchase REO homes at wholesale, close in three days and resale the property, rent it out or sit on it until market values improve.

Real estate investing is not without risk; however, if done properly it can be rich in rewards. Take time to understand what types of real estate investment opportunities are available. Learn as much as possible before plunking down your hard earned cash. If you educate yourself about real estate investing today, you can turn your knowledge into profits for tomorrow.