., for a long time: the stories, beliefs, etc., that have been part of the culture of a group of people for a long time—used to say that someone has qualities which are like the qualities of another well-known person or group of people from the past^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^With that in mind, I'd like to hear why folks seem to think that seller financing or an installment contract, like a contract for deed, or a wrap mortgage or a Subject-To transaction or a Lease and Option To Buy comes close to being "creative" financing.

Splits vary per deal and per situation but 50% - 70% going to partners is typical.We are regulated to death and it is only getting worse, most of which is a claim to protect consumers, I don't see how that is true, but that is just opinion.I still stand firm on my belief that having the ability to pay all involved so that nobody other than you loses money is key.

Since discovering BP i listen to the podcasts religiously (to and from work, etc)Currently, I'm trying to soak up any and all real estate information, tips, and suggestions ( i have a strong interest in house hacking!)

I've been a promember on and off for a couple years and have listened to the podcast religiously for a time. 

Great places to raise a family and hence they are great places to invest.Those are generally my favorite areas these days, mainly due to the proximity of where I live and also my belief in the long term future of the area.As a first time investor you may want to play it safe and focus on the better areas, but understand those areas are going to cost more per unit. 

For a big social group like this, I belief I have colleagues who are from Memphis TN

Basically, I've learned that I don't know what I don't know, so it's best to stay open-minded to avoid boxing myself by holding a rigid belief system that may be something totally self-created.

You are imposing your belief system upon your target list. 

But I'm pretty set in my belief that real estate is a long term investment vehicle that is relatively safe.

What your beliefs are and the way you think are the two defining factors that will determine whether or not you will have success as real estate investor.