We have plenty of investors that that will buy property in Texas without a survey because in central Texas surveys are running $600 to $1,500 for quality survey that has teeth in the certificate language, and it's taking 2 to 3 weeks to get one.

Currently I am a real estate agent working for both commercial and residential clients to "cut my teeth".  

@Patrick Reilley Parents with cash = great asset.You might want to cut your teeth on your own.  

please do not take offense if you are a 90 year old naked woman, shoeless or have missing teeth, you're still welcome on biggerpockets.com."

He's learning how to play with his pick between his teeth...

Getting an electrician to show up was like pulling teeth on our current job. 

@Victoria CrumpI would cut my teeth in the Detroit Suburbs, get a feel for the area. 

Listings are always nice, but to hold out for just listings when getting started is hard to do since you are not cutting your teeth (getting experience) as mush as you would by representing buyers.

Ready to sink my teeth into real estate markets and looking to expand my network in the Washington, D.C. area !

Here's a thought - stay, grit your teeth, lower your expenses, maybe bring in a live-in tenant to help pay the bills, and wait for good sale conditions - then live somewhere you can afford.