When he first started learning the fundamentals he was the worst player on his team.

This is what I've seen in the markets I'm working in.HSBC is a huge bank, it's going to be pretty darn hard to get in contact with the decision makers unless you're a huge player.

Also for bigger players you have B2R and colony funding who are making in roads into the space..

Buy a coffee or a beer for each of the players in town, one a day or one a week depending on how flexible your time is.

I am a professional baseball player and have been doing that for almost ten years now.  

Buy as much property as you can, collect rent, reinvest.NegotiateIf you bought a property that hasnt been doing so good for you, work out a DEAL with another player using negotiating skills!

Talk with the players that understand these types of deals.

While most of the players in this niche are not really active in the game, I think Ernie is.

A lot of big players pay 82-83% in California or more if they like to gamble.  

He knows the law and that's a dangerous thing, because he is a "player".