1. Start Early : The only way you can make the most out of the limited time you have is to start early. The sooner you invest, the more time your money will have for growth. If you delay, you will almost certainly have to invest much more to achieve a similar result. Let the power of compounding work for you.

2. Keep Some Cash Aside : It is always a good idea to have some money set aside in case of emergencies. Maintaining three to six months worth of living expenses will insulate you from a sure fire formula for investment loss – distress selling.

3. Know Your Risk Profile : What is the point of investing in the stock market if you are going to lose sleep, if you don’t get a heart attack first, every time prices go through a rough patch. You need to be realistic about your risk appetite. An investment advisor can help you determine your tolerance for risk.

4. Never Forget About Inflation : Don’t fall into the false sense of security that very conservative investments might give you. The returns may look respectable at the start but not after you deduct the effects of inflation. Keep in mind that risk is not just about losing money. It is also about not having enough in the end.

5, Think Carefully About How Long You Can Stay Invested : If you plan to stay invested for a long period of time, say five years or more, then it is okay to go into the stock market and let your money work harder for you. But if you will need your funds very soon, you are going to be better off with low risk investments

* - Pay attention to what builders are doing. New developments are the perfect place to make some quick money with investing. Builders will usually sell the first round of homes for the lowest prices. They want to move them quickly so they can drum up interest in the development. You should be able to find a buyer rather quickly, too, since these are new homes that are often built to suit the lifestyles of people in the community. They are hot commodities and places where people want to live.

* - Know current market prices. This is essential. You have to make sure that you are buying homes that can generate a profit. If you are spending too much then you won't be successful. Learn what the current prices are in Cathedral City, so you can buy at lower prices and have the chance to make a nice return.

* - Understand what your target market wants in a home. You need to determine who your main buyers will be. Understand what they want in a home and what they do not want. You should know their preferences completely so that you invest in properties that they will buy and not waste your money on properties that you won't be able to sell.

* - Keep repairs in mind. The best priced properties are not always in the best shape. You should assume you will have to make some repairs. Too often investors jump too quickly on something they think is a good deal without realizing that with all the repair and renovation costs that they will spend more than they should.