I have prepared numerous Schedule E's, Form 1065's, Schedule K-1s and also worked on a couple of 1031 exchanges during my time at the CPA firms.Any advice or resources for getting the ball rolling with real estate investing would be greatly appreciated!

We had our second home rented out before the closing.At this point and after reading numerous books on real estate, I realized that although we had reached our goal of owning a rental, our finances were completely vertical and I need to spread out to increase cash flow and reduce the impact of a vacant property.In January 2016, I started data basing different markets across the USA.

I have had numerous businesses through the years but it was serious health issue and the realization that disability social security payments would not allow me to live that made me want to build a successful RE portfolio.

Aggregating data from public information is typically better to buy or rent from commercial providers unless you want customized data fields, highly targeted leads, compiled lists or response lists (prospects test have responded to others' offers). 

When I asked what is was for, he said that it pays for the office help to handle all the paperwork so the agent can focus on buyers and being in the field.

HiI am getting started in REI and working on building up my contact list of other investors, attorneys, handymen and other friends.A little about meI have been studying real estate basics for the last 6 years, helped few of my own close friends ( my own home) buy and sell houses just to learn the trade but not for commissionWith my education and bit of experience, just started venturing in this new field but puruing very actively and aggressively.I realized having a good team along side in my journey will truly be helpful and mutually beneficial.Please reach out with your interests in REI and how we will be able to help each other.I live in the nw suburbs in Chicago area and currently working on a townhouse deal.

Been there and done that numerous times.

My biggest issue with this appraisal is that he used a fixer upper that had recently been foreclosed on and a short sale as comps for a nicely remodeled home, when there are numerous remodeled sales in the neighborhood selling for $60,000 - $70,000 more.  

I am pretty sure they have in their employ someone with a degree in new home marketing or packaging or some such  field and they have the selection of interior finishes for spec homes down to a science.  

One of the pros in this field will hopefully chime in with that list.