Hey @Dion DePaoli great post, and I do share the same sentiments as you on the "gurus" and the ebook peddlers One thing you mention though is the default rate on NPN: "Fact of the matter is, most defaulted loans end up in foreclosure.

I echo your sentiments in creating something here that addresses this. 

I lived in New Mexico for a number of years and can appreciate your sentiments—I love adobe homes but it’s easy to overdose on them in communities where the prevailing aesthetics (and zoning) lead even McDonalds and Wal-Mart to adapt and appropriate the style (but, at the very least, these are still major improvements over their traditional facades).

I also agree with the sentiments above where someone stated to hang onto your money.  30k won't get you far on buy and holds using commercial financing without getting pretty creative.   

@Amy Wan  your post pretty much echos @Brian Burke sentiment.. deals are like street cars one on every corner.. its the ability to execute consistently that is a fleeting thing.

To answer your questions (and everyone else's since many of you echoed similar sentiments):1.

I share that sentiment.

Too much anti-guru sentiment here, myself included 99% of the time.

Rob:Five to eight years ago, I may have agreed with your sentiment, but the newer products have pushed the envelope of feasibility - there are products out there now which maintain a CoP > 2 well below 40F.  

Agents market via the MLS while most wholesalers market for buyers in advance and then shop for properties meeting those criteria.I also agree with the sentiment that a 50% return in 6 months is a steep goal when starting out, however, certainly obtainable IF you choose a strategy that is highly active.