I got a college degree that was in business with real estate emphasis.  

I currently work as a tax consultant with an emphasis in real estate.

More emphasis is put on the cash flow, but you'll be hard pressed to find any financing over 85% loan to value.Appraisals cost significantly more, but there are options like no income verification if the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) doesn't work.That should get you started.  

Private non-traded REITs raised about $4.5 billion in 2016, a sharp decrease from almost $20 billion raised in 2013.With direct deals I would advise putting a very large emphasis of your due diligence efforts on the sponsors because at the end of the day you are essentially investing in the sponsors expertise and ability to execute on the investment strategies that they are selling.

(Note, I put emphasis on "Competent"...

I am looking forward to meeting all of you at some point.Julie Marquez - I am an environmental engineer, with an emphasis on water policy, water regulations and permitting, contaminated site cleanup and stormwater management.   

@Tim GreenfieldI agree with Justin on this one - with particular emphasis on that you wouldn't purchase this if you could redo things.

However, there's not typically enough emphasis on the impact that expanding your network can have.

I’m organizing a meetup with experienced investors to discuss current real estate opportunities/trends in the Chicagoland area with an emphasis on wealth building, not looking to wholesale or flip.

I have a college business degree with emphasis in real estate.