Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

For appreciating CA properties this could easily be a 7 digit step up in value but i would think in all CA markets would be significant.  

Pull out a spreadsheet and go through the tools everyone mentions to run some comparables and take note of photos, amenities. 

Find as many investor meetups as you can as the knowledge others have are invaluable when you're first starting out. 

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Tools like BiggerPockets Calculators and rent estimation tools are incredibly helpful.

It isn't the full job, but it is a tool in the tool-belt. 

Small talk, showing empathy, and expressing genuine interest in their situation can go a long way in establishing trust and goodwill.Be Willing to Walk AwayOne of the most powerful negotiating tools is the ability to walk away.

But leverage is a useful tool, just know when to use a hammer and when to use a screwdriver.Totally agree.

@Monish Anand Bigger Pockets has an 'agent finder' tool.