We're being inundated by increasingly negativeeconomic news that has more and more people circling their financial wagons andhoping that they'll live to see tomorrow. In the midst of a sea of negativity lies a hidden nugget of truth:  It really is possible to successfully investduring one of the worst financial catastrophes in history.

These secrets are like the nose on yourface.  They're so painfully obvious thatthey're easy to overlook.  It just takesa little common sense to think things through and get your head on straight andyou can turn one of the biggest financial disasters in history into the bestopportunity to create real sustainable wealth for yourself and your family thatwill stand the test of time.

?       Secret#1 ? The talking heads are all talk, so take what they have to say with a grainof salt.  Keep in mind that the average?real estate expert? you see on many of the news networks isn't an expert atinvesting; their expertise lies in reporting. What this means to you is that they live in a world where ?news? is whathas already happened.  The hot new trendthey're talking about has usually already happened and they won't likely knowwhen the real estate market has bottomed out until prices have risen by 10% andthe market is off to the races.  Unlessyou want to watch prices race to the top ? from the sidelines ? ignore theirtimely tips.

?       Secret#2 ? Do Your Homework ? Many of the available properties could make you wealthyunder the right set of circumstances. Make sure the numbers you're being quoted add up.  It's not unusual for people with a financialstake in a real estate investment to fudge numbers to put a nice shine on areally dull property.

?       Secret#3 ? Don't Forget marketing ? Marketing efforts are one of the first corners tobe cut when the market goes south. Unfortunately, this is the time when you need to redouble your effortsin attracting motivated buyers and sellers. Rip a page from the playbook of your favorite successful retailer.  When times get tough do they quit trying toget you through the door ? or do they do everything but tackle you and drag youinside for a quick look around.

?       Secret#4 ? Check Your Emotions at the Door ? Whether you're a brand-new investor witha dream of real estate investing riches or a seasoned, time-tested real estateinvesting veteran, a desire to get your hands on a specific property can attimes seem overwhelming.  Remember solidinvesting strategies and number crunching is the key to successful real estateinvesting.  If the numbers don't add upor you can't find a way to wind up in the black at the end of the month, don?tbe ready to walk away.

?       Secret#5 ? Have an Exit Strategy ? When you decided on a real estate investment youmay have had a solid investing plan that would make you money at every stage ofthe game.  If after making the purchaseconditions change ? or you discover that you've overlooked a critical variablethat is a game changer ? be ready and willing to admit your mistake and moveon.  Don't stick with a bad investmentthrough thick and thin just because you want to save face.

Real estate investing can be like a drive on alonely country road.  At times it can bea series of ups and downs that can make your head spin.  However, by using your head and employingcommon-sense real estate investing techniques, you can ensure that even intoday's market you can make money and establish yourself as an investor thatcan routinely pull victory from the jaws of defeat.