I think it makes sense to go with a reputable lender you know can close your deal and make it a smooth and seamless process, rather than chasing the "cheapest option". 

For many of you who are chasing what Stuart is saying, you are probably better suited to be an LP in a professionals syndication (being careful to vet them of course), than to set out to become the GP.

RARELY.Fact 2:If you need to send 3000+ mailers to people on this lists to get one deal, it means 2999 people of the 3000 you spend money on to chase, are not interested, not motivated, and thus the wrong audience.That is a 99.97% failure rate. 

My California tenant has initiated his monthly rent payment ($2100) to pull from his Chase account on March 14 through my Avail PM system, but I will not be receiving it until March 19. 

I will defer I have not chased court house steps personally in years ..

Quote from @Michell Chase: I am currently working on building my RE portfolio. 

Remember, no system is perfect, so avoid the temptation of constantly chasing after the next shiny object.

They may seem attractive on a spreadsheet if you are chasing cash flow, but the fundamentals are not as strong and these properties are  disproportionately impacted by capex and operating costs.

Another advice I have been given is "just be a good landlord" but that doesn't protect me against crazy tenants and ambulance chasing lawyers who would be happy to destroy my life. 

I am always on the mindset to have the buyers chase my price up not the buyer go to my price I list at...