There is a RE investor club in OC - Anaheim, CA as well as Los Angeles starting in September 08Go to www.nakedrealestateinvestorsclub.comClub owner is Rosie Nieto who is also a BP member.

The icing on the cake Seller financing, if structured properly, creates an opportunity to maximize the sale value of the property.

Needless to say, I like any appreciation that I get, but I just consider it icing on the cake!

The clients my business supports range from contractors, plumbers, electricians, attorneys, accountants, etc so building my team was a piece of cake.

Of course, that would require a sale of the investment.We actually underwrite our properties at a 3.5% appreciation rate, which given the the zip codes (Meridian invests in 9 zip codes in Memphis), price points ($100K-$180K, which is at and above the median home price) and market historic averages, this is a very conservative measure.With that said, appreciation is really considered more or "icing on the cake".

BUT getting the smaller private loan should be cake by putting the bank in a situation where they are in first position with a low risk LTV.

Sometimes I feel like this is a piece of cake while other times I think, there's gotta be an easier way.

Lila welcome to biggerpocketsMy suggestion is to interview several real estate agentsand to attend a few of your local reia meetingsAt your local reia meetings you most likely will connect with a few agent / investors ( networking )As Ned / Brandon stated - a few keyword alerts examples :~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~San Diego, Sacramento, California, Anaheim ,North Carolina, South Carolina, Charlotte, etc

Sellers can't have the cake and eat it to although I see them try day in and day out.

Use that as "icing on the cake".Finally, realize that there are always better deals out there.