While cash flow can be limited within the downtown area, there are still excellent opportunities for cash-flowing rentals in surrounding regions.

Michael’s articles are excellent and provide valuable insight into taxes for syndication deals.

And most regret it.I'll make the opposite case: it is VERY hard to screw up when buying i.e. a duplex in good condition in a desirable neighborhood and either self-manages or hire a quality PM to manage.To any new investor who is reading this: In real estate cost and risk have an inverse relationship.

@Eric ChappellIf you don't have many properties and are comfortable using excel; I would use excel. 

Since this is a relationship business Im willing to stay with them since they are easy to get ahold of and they listen.

Most successful real estate investors could have excelled in a number of other fields.

I am getting started and looking for someone to review my lease and have an established relationship in case I need them later.  

Start small with a single property to learn the process and scale as you gain experience.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

You're smart for recognizing the importance of building relationships...very few wholesalers in my area understand this. 

@Jay Hinrichs @Jonathan Greene @Nicholas L.you have all helped me to really consider what type of challenge / path I want to get into, and all this information is excellent.