(such as here in NY)On the other hand, it is fairly easy to get the license, and there are a LOT more advantages than disadvantages.  

Many of them have never been to the US so they are at a major disadvantage compared to you.  

Any particular advantages/ disadvantages to HUD homes?

Competition is pretty fierce and distance marketing has a major disadvantage.

Most of the speakers and vendors were not local and I think that was a disadvantage.

If you don't know the price of cabinets it means you may not have had a chance to do enough homework yet and that will put you at a huge disadvantage because 1.) contractors, for whatever reason, may not be accurate, or even close, with their estimates, and 2) realtors, also for reasons of their own, may be over-optimistic about the ARV.

There are benefits and disadvantages to both.  

It would be helpful to understand the different options for financing a deal and the advantages/disadvantages of each type of lender.More questions:1) which lender to use above/below a certain price point2) strategies to be considered when first starting to invest.

Disadvantages?

Forget buying real estate inside your account..there are too many disadvantages that outweigh the benefits!