A fast-growing trend in today's turbulent real estate market; buy a house, flip it and sell it quickly for a lucrative profit. In today's real estate market, you need to be smart about the purchase you make and do your homework. Choosing the right neighborhood, a house in good health, a large lot and a quiet street are key factors in making a profitable investment. Choosing a home in difficult transition areas and over-improvement for the market type can leave a real estate investor with a property that sits on the market, losing profits and having to drop their asking price below value. merchant. Flipping properties is a risky business that can pay off big or leave the developer in financial difficulty. If I was given $150,000 to invest in a distressed real estate purchase, I would start by hiring a real estate agent knowledgeable in investment properties. Next, I would look for a single-family home, with an open floor plan, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, in a desirable neighborhood and priced at least twenty percent below market value to get the best deal. In order to get a larger lot and more square footage at a nominal price, I would look at foreclosures and short sale homes with good bones. Once I find a home in a nice neighborhood, near a large school district and a large backyard, I will submit an offer contingent on a satisfactory home inspection and assistance with expenses closing rate of 3%. Securing a property before other buyers know it is on the market would be a top priority in order to avoid a bidding war and paying more money than necessary. Once I have purchased a suitable property, I will begin planning my flip by establishing a timeline and establishing a budget. In the budget I will include shipping costs...... middle of paper ......nt profit. In the world of real estate, the path to wealth can be difficult, but with a smart plan, a reasonable timeline, creativity and a great work ethic, anything is possible. Works Cited1 Kemp, Kristin. “Kristin’s advice.” TLC: Property Scale. Discovery Communications, September 8, 2008. Web. November 4, 2011. http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/propertyladder/about.html.2 Conor, Cayden. "How to Close the Carport to Create an Extra Room | EHow.com." EComment | How to videos, articles and more - Discover the expert in you. | EHow.com. Demand media. Internet. November 10, 2011. http://www.ehow.com/how_4886797_enclose-carport-make-additional-room.html.3 Plus, Plus. "Adding a portico: Archive: Home and Garden Television." HGTV - Decorating, Outdoor Rooms, Landscaping Ideas, Kitchen and Bathroom Design. Internet. November 10, 2011. http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/adding-a-portico/index.html.