They are a large regional player in the Midwest and Southeast.

Since it's your first meeting - I recommend going there and just listen/get a feel for the group & the membersThings that should be going through your mind*who are the big players in the meeting?

Margins are very tight on condos in L.A. most of the players at auctions are large companies that make money through volume, they have access to cheap labor and materials because they operate on a large scale.

I invest myself and could introduce you to some key players in the area.

If you are not on the inside or setting at the table with the main players it's normally a loss precious time (yours).

The big players quickly work themselves into alternative investments that are still RE but not the same things that everyone gets gooey eyed over.  

I think women are reaching a critical mass as players in REI and we are here to stay!

Together, they will make 3G the third largest player in the fast food industry.  

What I am seeing  on the ground is many big players investing in Detroit, the worm has turned. 

As you said, lack of jobs; therefore, lack of growth and demand will stay flat, even if someone overbuilds the market.I prefer to invest in areas where solid growth is likely so that demand will stay strong even as other players enter the market.