@Clarence PowellFirst define what a deal is, then....Direct mailDoor knockingNetworking-attending meetingsTelling anyone and everyone you are looking for real estate

So far, I've really learned a lot about the many facets of deal analysis and in particular, the components within the Bigger Pockets calculators that I can safely assume on...

Howdy @Colleen FiumaraI have the property inspected during due diligence to determine the age and current condition of all major components and appliances.  

The main component in a CFD is the forfeiture clause which states what happens if the borrower/buyer fails to make timely payments. 

Your main priority to network with any agent should be to source off-market deals or help define MLS-deals that meet your criteria.

@Grant Stucki As has been implied in some earlier comments, it's difficult to really have an answer to this question without defining your goal.

I have a wonderful day job here in the city, but view real estate as a key component for generating long-lasting wealth and greater stability during retirement.

@Dave Foster Well put on defining "retail."

They find a total average return of 9% for the period they looked at (1986 to 2014), and conclude:"Each component contributes approximately equally to the aggregate U.S. portfolio of housing returns, so excluding one component excludes half of total returns on average," There is also a helpful graph comparing the breakdown between the two factors in the 30 largest metro areas. 

You haven’t defined your business model, therefore you don’t know how to decide to buy a property or not.