First, don't let ego influence you.  

Our market is heavily influenced by Fort Hood and if every soldier deployed real estate investors here will be in serious trouble.  

I also don't really think the Super Bowl will have much of an influence on Pittsburgh,, maybe more Vine City.

I am a real estate agent and I am looking to get a second stream of income and I have over 100 past clients and a big sphere of influence, so I know that I can get owners to use me as a property management company because they trust me and they know that I would do a great job.

In EVERY case, we have turned down these offers...even one's that could bring us a lot of business, because of their influence. 

Should be worth an award and 10,000 influence points.

I've heard that some savvy short sale investors would wait to have the lender's approval before they list on the MLS because the BPO will be influenced by the listing price.

Start building a list of your "sphere of influence" - the names and contact information of family, friends, co-workers - basically anyone you can think of.The moment you're licensed, you want to reach out to them and let them know you're in the business.  

The seller has no control or influence over the price the bank will accept, unless he wants to kick in the difference.

It will also be highly influenced on the area in which you reside.