“The way you make money is not following the herd. Lower prices mean greater investment opportunities because there are more motivated sellers and more deals coming on the horizon. Now is definitely the time to buy … but to buy smart.”

That philosophy, spoken by Robert Shemin — Wall Street Journal best-selling author, nationally renowned speaker and major real estate investor — is at the root of successful foreclosure investing in the market today.

An increase in foreclosures translates to more available investment opportunities. And more available investment opportunities creates competition, driving down real estate sales prices across the board.

Here are five strong strategies that Shemin has put together:

1. Buy to hold — Historically, long-term investors almost always do well. A long-term investment strategy is five to seven years plus. Medium is six months to five years and short-term is less than six months.

2. Buy cash flow — Speculators take a chance on rapidly appreciating properties and risk a softening market; however, investors look for investments that produce cash flow from day one. Be an investor … go for cash flow.

3. Find secret appreciating markets — Look for areas that didn’t appreciate a lot in the past four years and are now steadily climbing or where there is strong job growth. These translate to housing demand and are the best-kept secrets in real estate.

4. Uncover “hidden” markets — There are exciting markets within markets that make strong investment opportunities. For example, the Las Vegas market is very soft right now, but in the low- to moderate-income there is a strong demand for new homes (starter homes) in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. So there is a strong market within a weaker one.

5. Buy international — Don’t be afraid to invest in other countries. Do your homework. Talk to other investors. Go to a seminar. Then make your choice.

He has been involved in more than 1,000 real estate transactions throughout his successful career. To find out more about Robert Shemin and his investment strategies, see his Bio Page.