Also, general tips on what not to do to avoid discrimination accusations.

This triggered the entire California State dept of Health and Safety and what-not.

While you have to be a real estate agent to get on the MLS, if you have a relationship with an agent, they should give you sales information on various areas and what not.

I don't want a small town either, definitely a city of sorts with job diversity and whatnot, but I'd like to steer clear of NYC. 

Put $20K down, lose up to $120K or more when you screw it up because you didn't know what to do and what not to do.Education doesn't cost - lack of education costs.

WHAT?Not

In which I talk about and blog on what not to do because the time passed up is not worth it.

I think thats one reason so many lie about their names on the postcards and whatnot. 

He also did say to make some attempt to sell items and whatnot, but that it's good to pay $1,000 towards the "business" and be able to claim $8,000 on taxes).Concern: I honestly hate the IRS myself, but this seems borderline fraud.

I'll give it a shot and the worst thing that could happen is I end up learning a lesson on what not to do the next time a deal rolls around.