I'm thinking there are some things that everyone should do if they can to prepare and be in better position to continue investing no matter what happens: build up cash reserves, focus on buy and holds or very high velocity flips so you don't get stuck holding the bag if prices drop, etc.Any suggestions?

Velocity of money is the name of this game.

I agree that through leverage and the velocity of money, you can build wealth faster than if you pay for the entire property in cash.

The "velocity of money" is the focus, meaning the faster you are in and out of a deal and back into another one the more profit potential you have.

The "Velocity" trading model has been around for quite sometime and often gets look at by newbies as a good way to make good returns with controlled risk exposure.

I'd be more inclined to be the capital person, and create a way that I can use my money to start the project, other people's money to replace my capital, and keep repeating the process, working on strategy, systems and ways to increase the velocity of capital and scale up.Become the bank, use OPM, control the deals and keep a spread.

Some judicial states take forever and costs a lot of money.With lending you have the return on the interest rate and your velocity churn with the points.

Also, tell them about the team of respected affiliate you have that can increase the velocity of a transaction--no investor likes holding costs.

That's happening in Vegas as it makes sense. we have done it. we buy at the trustee sale ourselves, once the deed is in our hand our lender goes up to 80% LTV(after they inspect the property), and in that case we free up more money and bigger cash on cash return. 2 points /12% VELOCITY...it makes sense like this buying at trustee sale for us. but if we have to be tied up $150k for 5 months and then make a 7-10% margin after all expenses, its almost not worth it.

Another reason for Hard money lenders not lending to you is velocity of money.