They showed updated mortgage reits yield daily...So I decided to start watching mreit, though I was not convinced yet, and the yield kept creeping up.

At BP, not only can you network with other real estate investors, you can learn from the informative forums posted daily on the site, find properties that are for sale, and take free courses.

You won't find a commercial lender at 85% with this hair on the deal. 

Many things can happen to a property, so it's important to plan for those things (even daily routines), even if it may feel a little awkward.

I came across bigger pockets by their podcast, which I now listen to daily. 

At BP, not only can you network with other real estate investors, you can learn from the informative forums posted daily on the site, find properties that are for sale, and take free courses.

Getting a referral from a fellow investor is OK, however that contractor may be good for the referee, but could be not so good for someone else.Contractors are special individuals - they too are chasing the buck and trying to get the best deal possible.You may want to write specifications  of what you want done - once you know what you want you can better compare bids from workman.I have found that meeting real people with real tools at a time they are buying supplies and materials at Home Depot 5:30 - 6 am picking up stuff to do their daily work is sometimes an effective way to find the craftsman you are looking for at a price that will serve you well.Getting referrals is OK - but how do you know that they didn't over-charge the person who is referring you to them?

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/08/ben-c...

Its more of a Blue Collar community, although few do the daily commute to Chicago for work.

This causes the gutters to clog literally daily.