One of the best ways to find a great real estate investment opportunity is through your business and social networks. Unfortunately, they are not really focused on looking for deals in any meaningful way. For that, an investor must develop a dedicated network – one that can help him find the exact type of deals that meet his financial requirements and risk tolerance. Here are four that help get you started:

Lifestyles Unlimited - This organization has been around for over two decades and currently has over 15,000 members. The goal of all of these people is to mentor other like-minded real estate investors and help them avoid some of the more common mistakes. Their site offers a free starter kit – videos on how to get started in real estate investing and a goal setting tutorial – with no credit card necessary and no further obligation on your part. They are certainly worth a look.

Real Wealth Network - This is another excellent site that provides great info and guidance to novice and experienced real estate investors. Be aware, though, that it is primarily focused on the California real estate market. There is a limited amount of information available for free though it is actually quite valuable. Still, expect to pay a modest amount if you want to avail yourself of all the opportunities of this network.

Bigger Pockets - If a “social” real estate investing network is more to your liking, this site may be exactly what you are looking for. Setting up the account is free and gives you access to more than 150,000 members. Unfortunately, most of them will not be anywhere near you as the site is truly global. Still, it does offer some pertinent advice for the new investor.

Your Local Chamber of Commerce - There's an old adage, “All real estate is local.” While this may seem like a tossed-off term, it is really quite accurate. That is, the best real estate investment networks that you can form are in your own area. The Chamber of Commerce is a great starting point for finding other investors, real estate professionals and even private money lenders. These are the people and companies that truly have a grasp on the pulse of your local real estate market. Find them and let them help you become successful.