Our state legislature is firmly in the grip of large business interests, mainly banking and insurnce.

They sell grip tape but I comes up. 

Dan P. sounds like you have a good grip on your market.

You want to have a firm grip on the process so you can be dealing with reality and be able to make a good offer.

It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site and with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.You are here at the Forum, but, should raise your mouse to the top and explore the otherheadings displayed.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums,Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze, Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs, webinars and the myriad of bookrecommendations.Also, you can review the quick links below to help solidify your grip on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessAfter becoming more knowledgeable and confident because of my above suggestions,take action to snag your first real estate investment deal if new or add to yourexisting holdings if you have prior experience.Don't get caught up in analysis paralysis.You must immerse yourself in the RE marketplace locally in your neighborhood or afar if the situation warrants it.Take calculated risks if needed and you shall be rewarded!"

.), but the RE bug has bitten us pretty hard and we would like to 10X our growth ( @Mark Freeman - I loved Grant's podcast and I'm about halfway through reading the 10X Rule right now).Personally, I love Dave's common sense approach, but when it comes to RE investing I finally had to come to grips with the fact that to really grow and expand to the point that we want to, we have to use leverage.  

then real commercial and multi-family books to learn about commercial underwriting and debt service coverage ratios so you'll have a firming grip on that end of financing.As for hard money and commercial lines of credit yes it may not show up on your personal credit depending on how you setup it up.

We are analyzing deals, we have leads coming to our email daily, we are getting a slight grip on the market in our target area, and it seems we are moving in the right direction.  

It seems like you have a good grip on where you want to be and that makes ALL the difference.I have similar passive income goals and I'm working toward them every day.

But if you don't have a pretty good grip on these two numbers you have no idea if you actually have a deal.You say "I have been looking at properties that need to be renovated".