To make well-informed judgements, think about going to the region, assembling a local team, and utilizing local knowledge.

If you have a foreclosure notice or judgement pop up in public records, you will have a much harder time getting loans in the future to continue your real estate investing journey.So what has your experience been with lenders? 

With the understanding that it would be inappropriate to ask for your judgement call - is there are relatively simple way to dig into 162 case law so that I, as a taxpayer can decide where I fall into the liberal conservative spectrum interpretation with 162, so as to make my decision prior to engaging the discussion with CPA?

I won't give my money to somebody to invest in A, B, C and D who's a jack of all trades and master of none (this is obviously no personal judgement of you).

@Steve Vaughan is right on point per usual, shop local first build a relationship and if strategic default is in your cards yea not a good play here you'll sign a confession of judgement.    

Judgement..

You'll be more capable of growing your portfolio and making wise judgements as you acquire more expertise and understanding.

I'm a California landlord that has already won a court-default judgement for possession but has not filed the money judgement .Is it hard to send the tenant to collections without a money judgement? 

She actually showed up for the hearing (which surprised the heck out of me) and agreed that she has not paid rent in a long time. The judge ruled in my favor. She filed her intent to appeal at the last possible minute...

Make it rain when they help you sign contracts and close deals.