Mistake # 1. Spending thousands of dollars buying books, tapes and attending seminars and then putting all of that information on a bookshelf and never looking at (or using) it. Comment: i am continually amazed at the number of "would be" investors who have spent a bundle of money attending seminars, getting an education and then never using it to start their investment program. Not only is it a waste of thousand of dollars but it could be the biggest financial mistake you can make. Twelve Deadly Mistakes Real Estate Investors Make and How You Can and Must Avoid Making Them Mistake # 2. Failure to learn the basics of real estate investing. Comment: The other extreme to Number 1 above, are potential investors who realize real estate is the best way to accumulate wealth and venture into the purchase of properties without knowing the basics of real estate investing. Those investors are certain to get into financial trouble. Mistake # 3. Fear of making a huge financial mistake Comment: they all fear making mistakes, especially a large financial one. If you follow the advice in Number 2 above, you won't have to worry about making a financial mistake. Mistake # 4. Not looking at properties Comment: Don't fall in love with the first property you look at. lots of investors buy properties because they "look nice" or they are to lazy to see what else is currently on the market that may be better. Part of sound real estate investing is in giving yourself a choice so you can select the best one, financially. Mistake # 5. "A better deal may be around the corner" syndrome Comment: This is the opposite mistake of Number 4. This investor never starts his or her real estate investment program because they always hope a better deal may be out there somewhere if they wait...and wait...and wait.