But a spreadsheet may be more striking. 

These are the times where we need to maximize the real value of our assets, clean up deferred maintenance, pay down debt, and put ourselves in the best position to strike when things make a bit more sense.However, even in boom times there are deals to be had, although there are far fewer and potentially not the types of deals you wish you to be doing.

I'm guessing I want to strike a balance between being organic and networking aggressively. 

This strikes me as a “friends and family” deal if you have no experience.  

One of the things I've been trained to do is to know my enemy well, be prepared for anything that can come my way, prepare with pre-emptive preparation and even striking the enemy pre-emptively. 

If you pledge to let them receive the commission many will be loyal to their client.However, if they detect you are pumping for information and will strike on your own they show great reluctance.

At the same time, these are young people with limited rental history, so I would be taking a chance.I am thinking I will permit this fence under a one-strike condition - a single complaint from neighbors about dogs trespassing will revoke this permission and they will have to go back to leashes. 

And if disaster should strike, you may find you need more extensive work on occasion.

If I were you, I’d listen to every BP podcast along with every other one that strikes your interest.

Wait to strike while the iron is hot.