Here is one example of how you might combine a couple investing techniques to keep your investment to zero.

Here is one example of how you might combine a couple investing techniques to keep your investment to zero. 

Let's assume you find an owner who is tired of being a landlord. He has a run-down house that he wants $80,000 for. You look at it and see that with $4,000 worth of clean-up and repair it could sell for $116,000. All the costs totaled will add up to around $9,000, leaving $27,000 potential profit in the deal. You have no money.

How about offering the seller more than he wants? Offer him $85,000, using a $500 credit card cash advance for a good faith deposit. The offer, however, is for $5,000 down, no payments, but the entire remaining balance to be paid within one year, with 7% interest. Why should he say yes?

You explain that he will get more than he wanted - maybe even a few thousand in interest too. His collateral will be safe, because unlike his renters who ran the place down, you'll be pouring money into fixing it up. He will have a first mortgage on a home that will soon be worth much more than what he is owed.



If he agrees, you find an investor who has about $15,000 to put into the deal. This will cover the down payment, repairs and other expenses, with a little left over for any unexpected costs. In return, he'll get his investment back and half the profits. If you complete the house quickly and on budget, this means over $10,000 for each of you.