The reality is that this isn't people crashing on the couch while we're out of town anymore. 

I'd also recommend connecting with as many people as you can and be a sponge.

Does anyone have any advice for people starting out in this competitive field?

So it ends up being not nearly as much CE as people think.

For most people, they would be better off investing in a syndication or even a REIT. 

Find the people who turn dirt into pads, pads into foundations, foundations into hosueses and houses into communities.

I joined this forum to connect with others, learn from those who’ve been in my shoes, and maybe even find people to partner with in the future.If you’ve got any tips, especially around raising capital or structuring your first deal, I’d love to hear them!

Why do I need to tell people where to go and eat when they have Google and Yelp?

All of those people also get credit/background checks. 

I would recommend focusing on good school districts where people want to be, which is going to dictate over average price and rent appreciations.