He is a sponsor of our local REIA. 

So by this Forum I hope to meet like minded people in the Columbus area, and maybe even a serious partner.Things I have been doing to create a network here include:-Hondros Real Estate School-Keller Williams is sponsoring me for my R/E exam-I've went to the sheriff"s foreclosure auctions on High St-Joined BP-Went to Arlington bank to talk with some loan officersIf there is anything else that you would suggest me do for better networking weather that be for being an investor or salesperson, please let me know.

@Michael MedeirosThe recommendation that you speak with your CPA is a good one.Sometimes it makes sense to go through a bunch of hoops to qualify your by nature passive investment earnings into earned income so as to sponsor a Solo 401k.  

In general the site is filled with pretty independent folks that dislike others controlling their capital formation process and thus my prediction is that technology will largely allow active operator/sponsors to bypass the intermediaries in time.  

Your exiting IRA funds would be processed as a direct rollover to a new 401k sponsored by your new C-Corporation real-estate operating company.

Preferred returns are being paid as projected +/- and I get qtrly updates on each property via the sponsor(s).

I need a sponsoring broker in order to pass the exam so really want to make a good impression with this broker. 

When I work with deal sponsors I am interviewing the lead and the lead is also interviewing me.

REITs (and to a lesser extent CMBS) have more liquidity because they are more homogenous, do not require significant upfront (and costly) due diligence to trade, and carry more robust third party surveillance.Weak Interest Alignment—There are a few deals where there is significant sponsor equity at risk.

Believe me when I say that local assessors are called daily by lenders, bank auditors, and investigators for various government-sponsored programs.