An alternative strategy would be to go into the VR biz which is an active biz where you can self manage and juice your returns, ie more work but more profit.

There is definitely opportunity here, but there isn't much low hanging fruit.  

I found this site and the posts here are just awesome, very fruitful and a lot of experience here.

It seems like there are a few key players with endless pockets out here, but they are only picking the low hanging fruit in my opinion. 

love your post and eye for design. once the creative juices flow i find them difficult to subdue. to "relax", but sometimes this is a good thing. it sounds like you have a great plan... newbie here too. just wished to introduce myself. formerly from washington, dc, i'm just getting started in the staging arena in california and i'm looking to make some connections as well. thanks and sincerely, sydney

That is a battle often times but sticking with your buyer gave you fruit!

It seems like most are trash and the ones that have a little juice in them need a ton of work.

The market being so active right now is not helping and I feel that we are seeing appraisers taking the low hanging fruit first.I currently have a few loans that I am working on that are going to take 30 days for the appraisal.  

Quite honestly there are some good things that can be found on Craigslist but looking for a mentor in real estate is probably not one of them.You might join a real estate club in your area and start attending those meeting to network which might lead to a more fruitful relationship with someone who maybe willing to offer guidance and perhaps some mentoring support.Mentoring someone isn't a paid profession it usually is a byproduct of ones advocation and passion for real estate (not to mention their desire to expand their own network).A mentor knows the more they give the more they will receive back.There are many books, podcasts, and webinars here in BP that can serve as a mentorship program.

In my opinion, juice isn't worth the squeeze unless its the difference between your numbers not working vs working.