Well there are programs there that you can buy but me knowing what I know over the years is experience. Books are okay but they don't see behind the walls the way I do. Mildew, water damage, you look at the workmanship in the home. Is the walls rough looking from a bad spackle job.

My idea for you if you never worked home improvements find experience. Meaning find a local contractor. Find one that is in the phone book or that pays for advertising because those guys will have the experience and making money to advertise. The guys in the paper with a small ad like We do any job any size free estamates. Watch them they will not know what they are doing or price the job low.

Your first couple of homes you will need to bring in help with good contractors. Get at least three estimates let them go threw the home and let you know what it needs and get bids. Don't take the lowest bid or the highest. The lowest they might not know what they are doing and cut you short on materials and back charge you later.

Feel the guys out, tell them that you are a real estate investor and take it easy on the bids because I might be able to keep you going all winter or at your down time. I am looking for homes everyday and looking to buy so I will need you. You will possibly need me when you are slow. A lot of guys will give you a break but be careful you have to go with your gut feeling with these guys out there.

If you have money to close quickly something to keep in mind. Read my blog about wholesaleing. I will send you a message  read it and maybe we can work together and it might be a great way for you to get started.                    Good luck Ed