I have been learning by listening to podcasts, watching youtube videos, and reading books and blog posts (the BiggerPockets web site has good specific recommendations).

I'm not looking to pay for increased web traffic at this time. 

The web address should be in my signature below.

I have 4 deals under my belt (with a varying range of success) and have learned lessons from each.I’ve spent the last few years building my family and career and would now like to devote my energy into something that can finance my lifestyle without having to continue working for The Man.  

I did however finally take the first step and contact a great connection & agent who's in the midst of helping me find the first property.A big part of this post is to express my gratitude to all the consistent posters, hosts (Josh and Brandon), and all the amazing guests that have devoted their time to create such a supportive community and have been so unbelievably inspiring and knowledgeable.

I think you should expose the individual or company so other investors know not to use them.Good luck as you untangle this web

In terms of a strategy to implement, I suggest you start with determining for yourself how much time realistically can you devote to REI?!

Be warned:  It is what will make QB 'sticky' as we say in the web industry.  

There's nothing you can do to improve how the stock market behaves).Cons:Requires effort (stock market, you just buy some mutual funds on the web and then there's nothing else to do)Follow the IRS rules regarding prohibited transactions (when investing in the stock market, you have no opportunity to violate those rules). 

I think I’m in agreement with several other folks in that I would love to hear an entire episode devoted to strategy #6, unless of course, being a far less experienced newbie, it’s already beeen covered.