As others have mentioned, it is a high-risk, high-reward industry.As I learn more about the real estate side of things I have begun to create a list of many questions of my own - a lot of them related to the finance side of land development.

So I don't believe its just my perception.That leads me to think one of two things:1) The county or cities have begun cracking down on the signs (Because they are illegal in my area without a permit and you cant get a permit to put one on a telephone pole or other city property) either fining hard or just taking them down so fast that the investors arent getting the calls.2) The market is so seller favorable and deals are so scarce due to the raising home prices and improving economy that the lack of opportunities do not justify the cost of the marketing. 

The political backlash has begun and will continue to develop.

Apart from saving for the course, I have also begun reserving funds for my first investment property, with a long-term goal of achieving financial freedom through investing in small and large multifamily buildings.As a newbie in this field, I am keen to shadow anyone who is willing to mentor me and show me the ropes.

I’ve just begun my landlord journey.

This was before the it was acceptable more often to just use passage knobs (which I have begun to do).I did look into the landlord locks and it looked like most master key systems that required you to continue to go back to them or a locksmith (basically held hostage).Hence, even though I like the kwikset 816 series mentioned in this thread, It fell out of favor to me as soon as I found out about the master key not being able to be duplicate by anyone but kwikset (once again being held hostage).I do notice a lot of folks loving the landlord locks icore setup, so I will check it out again.

So I've begun direct mail marketing, and received several calls.

I can tell you that local apartment complexes near me (which is near a large university) have slightly lowered their prices and begun offering "specials" such as "first month 75% off when you sign a 12 month lease" or "security deposit waived this month only."

If they do not pay the remaining amount when agreed the downward spiral has begun and you proceed with the eviction.

mid=z2iNrWQJAve...I have only just begun to play around with this, but you can add data, place markers, change colors of features, and much more.