It is hard to notice because by the end of year 3 we are up to 3 properties and the numbers are being described in a summary total instead of by each property individually.

Far too many people do not get any references or do any checks on an individual and when they do many times it comes back to be a very hard lesson learned.

Individual producers (say top 30% producers) will write +$40M in one year.This is not to say they are bad, but I'm not sure how you can conduct due diligence without seeing social proof.

Yet, they may lack experience and haven’t faced the tough lessons that come with time.But these assumptions are just that—assumptions.I know individuals in their 60s who outpace those in their 20s, and I've met people in their 20s with more experience than landlords with over a decade in the business.In the end, what truly matters is the person, not the age.

Interested in connecting with like minded individuals/investors.

@Sam ChanI know of an off-market tenant occupied portfolio where they're willing to sell individually for 5.99% to investors. 

Get connected with the local real estate investment groups.There are quite a bit of real estate minded individuals in the Tampa Bay area.

If you go back far enough states even had their own individual currencies.

Advertising or marketing real estate owned by another individual or entity with the expectation of compensation falls under the definition of "broker" and requires licensure.

I am considering partnering with one or two of my associates which would allow us to buy a larger property (likely a nice duplex or triplex) since none of us currently have the capital for this down payment individually.