I was interested to open this thread, as I´ve really been puzzled as to why there seems to be such a debate between becoming a licensed agent and operating as a wholesaler.

There are also word matches and crossword puzzles.  

I'm really puzzled why you are considering these markets if your primary objective is appreciation combined with some cash flow.

Hopefully it'll help you put the puzzle together.Definitely look at population and job growth for the future!

The final piece of the puzzle is if I save up $100k and want to turn it into $1,500.month, I can do that ion 30 to 45 days. buying and rehabbing.

The magic puzzle piece is to not spend so much of it right now, or you will be trapped on that work/spend treadmill for a long time. 

@Tim Hershberger - I think what your lender is missing an important piece to the puzzle. 

There are multiple pieces to the real estate puzzle so, work it from all angles.Basic process:1.

Then I spoke to some local residents/realtors and examined some stats on zillow for recent sales, and their prior sales - and the market has stayed flat, or even declined while the rest of the country has enjoyed the recovery last 4 years.I have some rentals in California, and while I dont expect CA type appreciation, the flat to negative trends seemed worrying, and indeed puzzling given the beauty I find in the area, the high quality of construction, and the solid employment fundamentals.Any opinions on why prices are falling?

Sometimes these things feel like putting together a puzzle in my mind.