Answer: -No, it's not a scam, it's just using real estate law and thinking outside of the box in purchasing real estate. Your best bet, is to read real estate investment books and websites (like www.reiclub.com).And you're right, there is no way to OWN property without money (or some form of value), credit and mortgage, but you can CONTROL property without the three. You then sell the control of the property to other people or investors. You can OWN property without money and credit, but you'll need to have a mortgage because no one is going to give you a piece of property that is paid for free of charge. Here's your hint: "Assignable purchase option contracts". Good luck to you. And by the way, it's not "of course! It's so obvious!", it's more like "Oh, I didn't know such a thing existed and that's how the rich got rich?". By the time you're done, you will never look at property in the same light. -Not sure, but my guess is they try to focus on motivated sellers and possibly having sellers finance the home purchase themselves. If they aren't in need of total purchase price up front, they might be willing to accept monthly payments from buyer. It would save time getting bank loan approved, along with eliminating closing costs. -No. Most people don't apply the techniques wholeheartedly. I'm sure there are a few people who do apply it and get results.The knowledge gained is more useful but the application of the idea is what's important. You have to find your niche and apply your base knowledge to other avenues of investing. My suggestion is join a local Real Estate investment chapter and educate yourself in the many systems of investing in property. Take classes and network with other investors.You can buy property with no money down, and or sell the paper for a profit and never own it. There are many ways to structure an deal. With Real Estate you have to think outside the box. Once you do your first deal it gets easier and more challenging.