We heard a great podcast just last week by an investor in our area and hope to make contact with him or someone else to help influence our learning curve.

You ever hear the saying, "you are influenced and are like the people you surround yourself with?"

Not getting influenced by what others say or what's on CNBC, etc.

Also see the videos of Kevin Ward, also heavily influenced by Mike Ferry.

So in efforts to increase my sphere of influence I'd thought that I'd start one.

What forms opinions will be based on our experiences and other factors, but where those experiences were gained will certainly influence us.

;)), I'm mainly looking to build my network, or sphere of influence at this point. 

The trouble I have with HOAs is they are ran by a board of volunteers that lack the experience and knowledge to take on that kind of responsibility most of that time and if there is a Managment company they can get stuck following the boards lead.I do own condos (early on purchases)and try to stay active on the board to make sure I have a controlling stake on changes and influence on the way the property is being steered.Your in Buffalo Grove with the proximity to areas like Grayslake, lake Zurich, & round Lake where there are plenty of single family deals getting better rents for the same cost of a condo and maybe even a lower price.

I did have a bankruptcy (thank you divorce) about 7 years ago, so maybe that is having some influence, but I've been meaning to do some reconnaissance to troubleshoot (thank you for the reminder).

In my naiveness, I called anyway under the influence that I wasn't a broker, and now thanks to the Don and Financexaminer comments, I see that I'am actually a type of broker.