REI is a lot like Poker. 

Oh, and if you're being forced to use union contractors based on your location (or for any other reason), I'd highly recommend moving your business to another area...in my opinion, using union contractors is like trying to beat the rake in a low-limit poker game...Btw, you mentioned that inventory was very low and deals were hard to come by -- that's another reason you can't be spending a long period of time doing your estimates...your competition is making quick decisions and are likely getting properties under contract while you're still doing inspections and getting mold tests.

I have a decent amount of money to my name for someone my age, all from playing internet poker over my college years.

Bryan is right though when you go to these events there might be ONE pitching real estate the rest are pitching some business  lots of software .. gamer stuff whole variety of things other than real estate.. these folks are looking to be the next ground floor investors in Google or FAcebook.not generally interested in a real estate deal since real estate frankly is not that complicated and they can do them themselves.  

I am investing for the long term, so I am not extremely worried about cash flow, and more interested in playing the appreciation game/rent growth game.

This often occurs with things like the stock market as well, or even things like sports betting and poker. 

Optional: fire pit, horse shoe pit, archery range, shooting range, fishing pond, electronic darts, poker table, pool table, used bicycles, fishing rods and tackle, exercise equipment, kegorator, pellet gun, spices for cooking, disposable plates and utensils.I have all the above, not in every house but when you combine all the houses I have all that and more.

hmm; sure like to play poker with you - - your 'tells' are glaring.If you want this property and are afraid of loosing to better bids, then bid right and tell your agent to stay on top of the bidding - - after all he/she looses too if you loose.

The old Warren Buffett saying comes to mind: if you can't identify the pasty at the poker table, then it is you....We have all been there to some extent.

.;-)https://patch.com/illinois/bolingbrook/man-refused-leave-joliet-casino-battered-security-officer-police-0Ohh..when them asses don’t hold up against some donkie and his  J4 offsuit ..dont battle the floorman ..just leave ..its poker baby …you can do everything right and still lose …in real estate it is the opposite