My plans for the future still rings true today as it did 6 years ago, though the method and angle of attack is still being evaluated.I hope in sharing my experience, I would hear what others like me have experienced or thought about.

I would wait for the next major downturn if you are wedded to investing here, however, I think it would be good for your to at least consider to sell some now and diversify.I've posted this bit elsewhere and I'll share it again:I live in Silicon Valley, and I'm an investment advisor who specializes in real estate.

Just wondering if anyone has any other recommendations to get my phone to ringing and finally get my first deal. 

Just like running any other business, you have to know how to market yourself otherwise how else will you get the phone to ring?

I am also planning a wedding for next year, so a lot of my cash is going to that.That is a brief introduction and I am looking to absorb as much information as I can before I make this jump.  

I am going to do every free advertising method I can to make the phone ring.

If you don't have a marketing budget for at least 6 months how else do you plan on getting the phone to ring??

I'm getting married next month, and have been feeling the pressure to buy a condo, that would serve as a home base for me and my wife when I'm in between international assignments (10 days each 4 months) and would hold me and my wife's things (wedding gifts, furniture etc)My biggest problem is that we would only live in the condo about 20% of year, as we would be traveling abroad as part of my job.

Your phone will start ringing.......a LOT.You could also do the same thing to find cash buyers, just with different writing on the signs geared towards cash buyers.

It is probably be better to hire a property management company for your rental projects so you can concentrate more on income production and headaches every time your phone rings.