My current employer purchases narrow body aircraft and leases them to airlines throughout the world so many of the economic principles (prudent asset/liability management, active asset management and conservative cash flow management) and analytical metrics (margin/spread analysis, IRR, ROA, etc) translate well to the real estate industry.I’ve been reading books/blogs and listening to podcasts and 2 things have become evident to me: 1 – the more I learn the more I see how little I know and,2 – there is a myriad of ways to find, finance and exit a property.

My grandfather actually attended the Naval Academy and then became a commercial airline pilot.

Having access to Marriott Homes and Villas, JetBlue/Allegiant Airlines sites, etc has really helped some properties to fill their calendar. 

@Ryan KnutsonHi Ryan,Very good questions, I will first say that coming from someone that never wanted to own a PM company but being an airline pilot and the after effects of 9/11 led me down the investing path which took me to creating my own PM company for my personal portfolio to managing almost 1,000 properties in Texas. 

I wrote about it in the below article.http://www.reluctantlandlord.net/southwest-airlines-model-my-inspiration/I am finding great shortsales, (albeit they are fewer and take forever) that are in great neighborhoods.

Layoffs in other sectors are starting (airlines is an example).There is uncertainty in the economy, and hence real estate.  

(American Airlines just announced they're laying off over 17,000 employees...they turned them from temporary layoffs to permanent...) and that trend is likely to continue. #2 )There is also A LOT of political puppetery going on that we won't know where we stand until after the election. 

Not ever seller will value this, but when they think about it some might...and for some it will be a big relief.When I was thinking of buying in Bay area 20 years ago and there might be 70 offers on a property, people got real creative with what they did to woo sellers...flowers, wine, airline tickets, vacation stays, etc. 

As for my background, I am currently an airline pilot for a cargo company.  

(Driving is becoming unsafe IMO and airlines are sketchy)- Build my business to support 1,500 housing units for homeless and Disabled Veterans.