For this first post I am looking at books or authors that have influenced your real estate investment careers.

Brokerages that control much of the residential market can and do influence where prices are set in reality.

There are some good pointers there and state influence, but get a second legal opinion. :) 

Like so many I have been influenced by "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" a few years ago through my son, who is a great numbers person.

Heres the basics:SHORTSALEARV: 155-160kBPO target: 140k(I will be there to do everything I can to influence price)Target purchase price:112k. 1st of 220k (WF) and 2nd of 60k (handled in bankruptcy court and home owner currently paying it down)I am pleased to say a family friend has chosen me to handle their short sale.

That is from the federal side and is applicable to all loans, consumer, commercial, private, institutional, any note.Next, you get involved with a borrower using that money, controlling business or influencing operational decisions you are stepping outside the lending arena and taking on new liabilities that can place your funds at risk if there is any failure.Another comment, any fee paid that is required to be paid to obtain any loan is a cost that must be accounted for in settlements, there are a number of underlying laws depending on the type of loan but all loans and associated costs will be an issue under the tax code.There are thousands of attorneys out there I'm sure that do RE and think they know financing laws and regulations, they may have done them for years, doesn't mean they really know and most will never admit not knowing.Every bank I've seen had an attorney, all have legal advice and as I mentioned, there won't be a bank or any other lender around, that really makes loans that won't have some compliance issue.

Your jurisdiction, the political flavor and social aspects that may influence a jury, past cases, types of exposures related to the business activity and ability of management.

Also the classic, "How to Win Friends and Influence People."

There's many factors that can influence your investment, both good and bad.

Tell everyone and your sphere of influence what you do and be able to back it up with your successful deals.