It's a weird example and usually isnt the norm.Most of the falling cap rates come from market influences or market + value add. 

The market can influence appreciation so I like to look at that as gravy (and not the only reason to do the deal). 

The brokerage-level training is more geared towards the nuts and bolts of what to do first and how to grow organically with sphere of influence and other lead sources you may already have on hand without knowing it.Network network network. 

I am a total newbie when it comes to real estate investing, but the Bigger Pockets podcasts/community has really influenced me.

First, network within your sphere of influence.

A circle of influence.  

Another is Circle of Influence...I can offer an investment deal to my friend from college, and he can choose to invest $250k with me, even though he's not an accredited investor. 

Maybe it influences your decision, and broadens your horizons for the future also.

I'm not looking at buying now, but I did want to start wrapping my mind around the ins and outs of buying, fixing, and selling in short durations.I know market influence on income is a difficult way to make a living, so my goal is to make a bankroll to be able to fund my first flip with straight cash. 

So that influenced our decision to take less of the piece of pie in the realms of equity.