Tough environment to focus on studies. 

3 recent national studies show that the rent to value ratio is at an all time worse (what they really studied was cheaper to rent than buy, but there is strong correlation).  

The solution I give them is to narrow their focus on a specific market, study it, and get to know what a good deal looks like.

College used to be a lot more affordable, I studied in Europe (where college is free) and it blows my mind to see kids with 200k student loan debt trying to get ahead on a 50k job.The housing market has started to drift apart geographically.

I feel bad for the investors who are likely going to lose out on their hard earned income and invested in this company but it can also be used as a case study for other members of the BP community moving forward before investing.

I'd also recommend diving into books, podcasts, and even attending real estate events to start learning more.Here:Learn the Basics: Study property types, financing, and market trends.Network: Attend events, connect with pros, and build relationships.Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from someone experienced in commercial real estate.Start Small: Look at smaller deals or partnerships to get your feet wet.Take Action: Once ready, start evaluating deals and making offers.

Want to study up on that.

@Dennis McNeely - my concern with getting a soils study is if it shows there's something really wrong with the soil, such as expansive soil, I would have to disclose that fact when I go to sell the property. 

Once the cost segregation study is complete, will I be able to take a full year of depreciation or only a prorated 4 months? 

First - you have to mention what the syndication will do as that will have an impact on how you get taxed.Given that this is a real estate forum, it is assumed that you are investing in a syndication that will invest in real estate.Most real estate syndications purchase real estate in year 1 and have a plan of selling / exiting in year 5 or 7.Often times, the sponsor will get a cost segregation study which increases the loss on the K-1 presented to the investor in year 1.This may be important as it almost guarantees that there will be no taxable income from the syndication from year 1 to the year before exit.If the syndication does well and exits at a price more than purchase, it may result in a taxable income.