A rapidly growing trend in today's challenging real estate market; buy a house, flip it and sell it quickly for a profitable profit. In today's real estate market you have to be smart about the purchase you make and do your homework. Choosing the right neighborhood, a well-built house, a large lot and a quiet street are key factors in making a profitable investment. Choosing a home in difficult transition areas and over-improving for the type of market can leave a real estate investor with a property that remains on the market, causing the investor to lose profits and force them to lower the asking price below value of the market. Selling property is a risky business that can pay off handsomely or leave the developer in financial trouble. If I were given $150,000 to invest in a distressed real estate purchase, I would start by securing a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about real estate investments. 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 offer. 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 great school district and a great yard, I would make an offer contingent on a satisfactory home inspection and 3% closing cost assistance. Securing a property before any other buyer knows it's on the market would be a top priority to avoid a bidding war and paying more money than necessary. Once I purchase a suitable property, I will start planning my launch by creating a timeline and setting a budget. In the budget I will include maintenance expenses... half the paper... no profit. In the world of real estate, the road to riches can be tough, but with a smart plan, reasonable timing, creativity, and a great work ethic anything is possible. Works Cited1 Kemp, Kristin. "Kristin's advice." TLC: ownership scale. Discovery Communications, September 8, 2008. Web. November 4, 2011. http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/propertyladder/about.html.2 Conor, Cayden. "How to Enclose Your Carport to Create an Extra Room | EHow.com." EHow | Educational videos, articles and more: discover the expert within you. | EHow.com. Demand average. Network. November 10, 2011. http://www.ehow.com/how_4886797_enclose-carport-make-additional-room.html.3 From, Other. “Adding a Porch: Archive: Television for the Home and Garden.” HGTV - Decorating, Outdoors, Landscaping Ideas, Kitchen & Bathroom Design. Network. November 10, 2011. http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/adding-a-portico/index.html.