I have a career in finance, so real estate is just a side focus for now.

@Vitaliy Volpov I am currently going through Empire State College and am working on my degree in Finance. 

I have a bachelors in finance and an MBA as well.

Thank you as I work in finance and not familiar with the appropriate terminology.

Depends on what those types are writing about You need to look for educators in finance and banking, attorneys or government officials in official writings or opinions.One last note as to books, notes fall under the jurisdiction of federal laws and state laws and it's difficult to cover financing issues over 50 states.

I met my first partner, Ellen when I was still in finance, looking for office space for myself and found out she was a real estate investor, just renting out desk space in her office.

but a degree in finance or business will be best.

We have a big lunch meetup in a couple of weeks at the rooftop of one of the Bellevue towers, if you guys wanted to join.

@David GreyshockI started off in finance.  

For example, an appraiser assumes the plumbing is in fine shape.