Here are the key questions to think through before you get it going:1) what do you want to buy2) how much can we afford3) how will you pay for it 3) what are you going to do with it afterHere is how we tackled this challenge:1) Find a reputable and responsive agent to work with: we worked with @Sharon Tzib2) Get pre-qualified with a good and local lender that work with investors: we usedd Rochelle Frazeur from New American. 3) Use some good MLS criteria to set up lists with your agent3) Find out how to identify a good deal: We got our hands on some good cash flow analysis calculators (thanks to @Sharon Tzib) and we used the calculators on BP as well4) Make neighborhood visits to those areas of your interest5) Find other venues to meet up with other investors or go to workshops and meet up's: We've attended BP meet up in Houston, events with Jet Lending, meeting with Wholesalers, and we've met one-on-one with other investors6) Look for non-MLS sources to find properties for sale: wholesalers, and local listing through Rich club or word of the mouth7) Talk to the property manager if you are planning on using on.

This is a great venue to form partnerships and great relationships. 

Instead, the event would be "Change Air filter" and the venue would be "123 Road Dr" on "such date."

Michele contacted me and already started helping me with the Summit, by going out to the venue the other day and handling a lot of logistics with where all your asses will be seated and standing..

@Ahmad Hijazi  prey is a little strong... but there is no question that CA investors are market makers all through out the mid west and turn key venues. with out them the real estate would not be worth even whats its worth today it would only sell for what a local investor is willing to risk on cash flow basissee my famous thread " 2% rule kills Values"  8 pages of thoughts from most of the top players on BP

Should anyone from the South Texas area wish to arrange a Cash Flow 101 game, I would gladly be willing to setup a game at a local venue to chat and learn about our investing habits.  

I'm thinking that there will be even more competition since people will be able to bid online rather than have to go to a certain venue. 

If I'm going to buy and upgrade an apartment to force appreciation it is a different venue but maybe I should be flexible until I reach my goals.

Cincinnati has division 1 college football and basketball, pro football, pro baseball, world class symphony orchestra, world class zoo, multiple major music venues, and excellent schools.

Walking into the meetup venue, I was expecting a VIP club of sorts complete with arrogant rich people who wanted to brag about how many Bentleys they had in the garage.