So Many Questions!
I've been reading all the forums. I'm trying to get started and very determined to make this work. But, I'm not sure how you determine if a house is worth it, how do you appraise it? Is there a standard form or something that you follow or is that nonexisting if there is equity? I need to get some cash in my pocket before I can walk up and buy for myself, so I figure in the mean time I can find leads for other investors. I don't mind starting at the bottom if I know I can climb the ladder later. Any suggestions on this? What about houses with for sale signs in the yard. Unapproachable? Any comments would be helpful.
thank you 
The best way to determine value, is to ask your friend the realtor to pull up comparables on the property. Perhaps you can work something out with him/her to make it worth their time, especially if you are going to be doing a lot of them.
Houses listed with realtor will still have to pay the realtor a commission even if they sell privately, as most listing contracts are structured that way.