We do factor CAP rates and NOI as part of our evaluations.

I am in a spot right now where I have the drive and motivation to be great but would love some guidance on things I can do to build my contacts and client list.

Go drive the city look and learn 

Your motivation and drive are inspiring to witness - thanks for sharing your plan for your REI career.Lots of good advice already shared in the comments here, so I'll just say it all comes down to the life you want to have.

I’ve been out driving for dollars with my 12 year old son.

(Like appraisals it was randomly assigned to people that have a history of being available.)Bill kind of like me getting signed up to drive Lyft..

It drives me nuts that I don't have at least a small single family yet,  I'm keeping my eyes open for other partnership opportunities, but I've also realized that I may need to put hustle into helping others close deals to further put myself in position to myself.

Most markets in Chicago are a bit tight right now as this seller's market keeps driving up prices.

These last few days of a contract are driving me crazy. 

The biggest factor is not directly related to the HOA but other market factors.