Not sure when you left the Bay Area, but if you did in the past couple of years (and lived in the condo for 2 while you were here) that might influence some of the guidance you get.Speak to your accountant as well if you can because the things you are considering will impact your tax burden (one way or another).

. :)  its only late night TV that influences folks and BP that influences folks that they can get wealthy with NO money and NO credit.. 

They come from a j-o-b collecting a check only and do not have to generate business for themselves and retain and grow clients.Brokerages know new agents with their family and friends sphere of influence will have mercy on them and buy something through them.

If I might share, personally I think the shortage of inventory for those of us who work seller direct will be best overcome by continuing to grow our connections, network, and online social influence and not just trying to go it alone.

Pops influenced me to renovate better than I would have.

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie is a good one!

Or perhaps someone in your sphere of influence might be interested?

You would have to know how to influence people, and how to negotiate on terms. 

So don't know if J&K have had a positive influence on him.

You are buying a REIT stock which trades on the stock exchange and is therefore influenced by the stock market.