@ANNA BOBROVAWelcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.Seeing that you are uncertain about your area of interest, I added three links to the most popular REI niches for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)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 with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.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 and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I am reviewing thoroughly all potential business model options.

I'd be happy to review your ad if you post the link.If you stick with your broker, I would make sure you are getting a discount in exchange for the resume building and also ensure your bldg is listed on the most commonly used commercial listing sites for your area (paid and unpaid).Commercial LESSOR side brokers can help in two main ways among several other minor ways: advertising to find a tenant and helping with lease negotiations/drafting.

From what I understand, the county engineers review my plans and decide whether or not I need to plat.  

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you mentioned an interest in flips and wholesale, I added the below links for your review.

Ian Barnes True, CA has the most expensive permits and has the longest wait times, well, depending on the city most of the time, but they mostly have half day offices and half day inspections, and most don't have Friday offices (la county law). by volume, they flood review paperworks to third party architects which in turn review turn around for 1 week, then by the third correction, it's now week 4.

A lender should be able to give you a more definitive answer or have an underwriter look at your file.I would recommend having the lender review all your documentation and giving you a formal pre approval.

But realistically, we will most likely be interested in investing out of state with no personal contacts other than referrals, through hopefully the BP forums, or reviews online and by vetting them out over the phone.  

BP,Today marks one year since I created my bigger pockets account! I spent the next 365 days enveloped in growing my real estate business. This is just a short summary of my activities from the past year and my goals ...

B. (1) BUYER HAS: 30 Days After Acceptance, unless otherwise agreed in writing, to: (i) complete all Buyer Investigations; review all disclosures, reports, lease documents to be assumed by Buyer pursuant to paragraph 8B(5), and other applicable information, which Buyer receives from Seller; and approve all matters affecting the Property; and (ii) Deliver to Seller Signed Copies of Statutory and Lead Disclosures and other disclosures Delivered by Seller in accordance with paragraph 10A. (2) Within the time specified in paragraph 14B(1), Buyer may request that Seller make repairs or take any other action regarding the Property (C.A.R.