I have been in the real estate business since I graduated college four years ago, both in a sales and development capacity. I've worked in real estate in two major metropolitan markets, Miami and New York City. As a result of this experience and other insights, I feel that a craigslist.com type of website focused on Real Estate in a particular city, in Miami for starters, could become a huge community success.

In short, I want to build a craigslist.com or plentyoffish.com type of website focused on real estate, but I don't have the tech knowledge to even get it off the ground. If I want to teach myself how to build a site such as the ones I mentioned in terms of functionality, how can I get started? What sites, tutorials, etc, do you reccommend?

I know there is web design involved, some programming, you have the back and front end, Mysql, html, need a hosting company, need the code for forums, chat rooms, listings, etc. That's about the extent of my tech knowledge. Help.

Yes, many RE sites exist already; but this should not be a reason to stop you if you have a good idea to differentiate.

(Do you research first though).

I suggest you focus on the things you know: the RE business, how the site can make money, etc., and leave the technical part (databases, html, search engine, etc.) to a technical person.