My online searches and schemes have led me to Spokane a couple times.

I stumbled upon Bigger Pockets 2 months ago through a Financial Literacy blog that I follow and have been an avid listener to the podcasts, which led to peaking my interest in RE investing.

As for your situation @Rocky Griffin, find out what you can from the public record and have an open and honest conversation him about the circumstances that led to his arrest.

I am a 3D artist, creating motion graphics for game day events and renderings for project bids on LED displays. 

Sure it's a concern but that wasn't what has led me (so far) to not pull the trigger. 

@Mark PedrozaThat was what I did before I posted here...The results from referrals at Bigger Pockets has invariably led to better results for me on this type of thing...THANKS

@Luke Mitchell I've been (and still am) in House Flipping Formula (HFF) and some of the other mastermind groups led by Justin Williams and other amazing business owners and investors.

I was able to get him down to $525 before asking him for a final reduction to $500, which led him to break it off.

@Justin Taylor - check out the PIG led by @Matt Robinson  Great for networking and doing deals. 

I would install LED bulbs to keep your usage very low.