The PMC I left to start my own PMC had at least 2 "preferred contractors" related to key players in the office so high rates and poor service fell on deaf ears. 

@Cole DobbsIn addition, I may be able to help you and connect you with some key real estate investor players in the Houston, Texas market since I am an Investor myself that have done most of these real estate investing strategies and also an investor-broker who has helped over 400 investors like you. 

Jay I know you are a player in this space as well - but I am curious to your opinion on finding decent loans to buy.

Most owners are local and therefore “hot” money or out of area players are not yet chasing Pittsburgh assets, keeping prices favorable.References United States Census Bureauhttp://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2017/august/economic-impact-report.htmlMarcus & Millichap 2017 Multifamily Investment Forecast2017 Commercial Real Estate Trends Report by Integra Realty Resourceshttp://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/September-2017/Staying-CMU-All-Eyes-on-Carnegie-Mellons-Future/http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/features/pittsburgh-developments-watch-2017/

As a senior baseball player looking to eventually play pro ball after this spring semester, I acquired a serious interest in doing real estate as another source of income.

Submitting real offers that you feel confident actually closing on and having a strong sponsor to work with that has a track record will go much further towards you winning deals.In short, you can pursue larger deals right out of the gate if you want to, but generally expect that it'll take you longer to win one and make sure you have the right players on your team so that you're prepared to win them and to close them once you do.

@Karen SmithAs jay mentioned private lending has been around forever and it’s really not on the rise - I think it’s always been a large player in the real estate investment space for short term loans.

My plan is to diversify my syndications by finding similar players in other good locations.

There are controllers on each end for 1-player or 2-player games, then a second set of controls on the side for head-to-head games like Street Fighter.We have a cheat-sheet with instructions under the glass, and we have a book with laminated pages that lists the instructions and the games.

Large and national players may treat you and your property as just a number.