First Time Offer.....
hi, i just found a property that i would like to put under contract then turn around and "flip". I have a Real Estate Purchase Contract that i got from the forms section of my Carleton Sheets course. Should i use a letter of intent first before i submit the contract just in case the seller submits a counter offer?.....and when it's time to write up the contract, i've gotten as far as the Seller's name, my name as the buyer and the legal description of the property....everything is foreign to me....anybody out there willing to hold my hand through this first contract?....any assistance will be greatly appreciated. 
what, no takers on this question????, i thought this was an easy one.......i suppose there's no one interested in helping me out with this.....bummer.....
I would suggest using an attorney for your first deal.....real estate forms are state specific. IMHO it is worth a few hundred bucks to cover yourself.
fill out the rest of the contract and leave yourself an out, ie.... a satisfactory inspection, contingent upon you getting financing etc.....
there are all kinds of outs you can put in the contract, and if he signs it, your good to go.
hope that helps.
Find a seasoned real estate broker who knows the market to make sure you are not getting into something you shouldn't.
My first real estate deal, i used a lawyer. It cost me $300. Worth every penny. He fought to make everything go my way. I have not used a lawyer for a purchase / closing since. I got my education. You should get yours. Incidentally: I have the Carlton Sheets course, too. I bought 7 years ago. 15 properties later, I don't think it helped that much. Put your faith in yourself, not in his course paperwork...remember, you do need state specific contracts.