From the neighborhood activist side of things, my plan is to use my influence as a land lord to imrove the neighborhood through cleaning up my own properties, encouraging other homeowners and land lords to clean up their own properties-lead by example.

I voted above but if there is any other way to give influence points or something I would be happy to do so (just don't see how).

The reason I ask is because it influences the recommendation.

Since the banks have the money and the influence, this is why they are able to subvert traditional consumer protections.

Understand the factors influencing the market, such as job growth, economic indicators, and population trends.

I'm sure you are aware, in typical free markets with typical outside influences, returns move inline with risk and inverse to demand.

That might stick out to those reading the particular post/s for that individual.They will usually have a very low or negative Influence score, so that is one way already in place to help identify the suspects.But when they are totally new to the site, with just their one post that is praising the company they are affiliated with, then they get banned, well the ban from the site totally removes any traces of that negative influence.

I plan on starting out part time within my circle of influence until I can save up enough to quit my full time job.

How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie3. 

@Alicia Marks There are many options, depends on your avaialble time, current knowledge and how aggressive you are. 1) SLOW & STEADY: Save until you have 20% down payment to get conforming investment propertymortgage. 2) SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: Tell everyone you know what you want to do, REPEATEDLY, so it sinks in, and partner or borrow from them.3) RENTAL ARBITRAGE: Find LTR rentals and approach owners about renting them LTR, then you subleasing STR.