To a certain extent, the likes of Donald Trump make the real estate game look rather easy. Granted, he has had to file for bankruptcy protection more times than the average person ever will, but he has always managed (crazy hair and all) to emerge in a state of wealth, comfort and positivity. If you think that his success has been easy or quick, check that attitude at the door. In the beginning of a person’s real estate adventure, there are a lot of different pitfalls which will inevitably present themselves to you, and you are inevitably going to trip over at least a few of them.
First off, do not assume that just because someone is expensive and punctual that they are going to do the job the right way the first time. While most professionals are good at what they do, the general rule is that the more they want to explain things to you, the better of a job they will end up doing for you. If they barely talk at all or seem like they are not especially interested in what is going on, they are either terribly antisocial or they are working very hard not to reveal their own ignorance of a topic which they claim is their area of expertise.
On the other side of the coin, there is also a glut of inexpensive labor out there which is just waiting to be tapped. While you may not see these people advertising their services online or in the phone book, they are definitely out there. And while they need to be watched (they will steal if they can), their work is often just as good as a professional’s is.