These areas can be tough for new players but once you learn, you have a big advantage over those that do not understand the system.

It is a great place to start and network with some real power players here in the Los Angeles area.

It’s critical to build a community for yourself as a Note Investor.This community will serve you through time with deal flow, vendor resources, strategies, due diligence & workout support…you get the point.In my opinion a MMG needs to holds the following to be successful:1)A series of consistent meetups in-person & through video conferencing (i.e. once a month)2)Have a veteran player facilitating the call to help move the discussion along while they smell out opportunities3)Have a safe and open environment so nobody feels dumb bringing up any topic for discussion4)Synergy formation through positive discussion.This could lead to forming buying partnerships, teaming, shared resources, and a whole host of other positive moves5)NO SELLING POLICY.The MMG should not be a forum for selling products and services to each other.Any one else have any thoughts on this?

I've been a professional baseball player for 12 years (Most in the minors) and suffered a concussion this spring.

Truly value add players, like flipping a home, add value to the apartment and once that equity is achieved, sell in 3-5 years and go find another one to do the same thing.  

That's how you do a safer deal than most, especially if you don't have the cash (and absolute certainty of ZBA approval) to compete with the big players who typically buy all cash and no contingencies.  

and rub elbows with players in the industry (both on the landlord and retailer side).

Of course not caught a fish but was the best trip because i was knowing theirs desires and the captain went them to the beach of Super Paradise where  i booked a table  in one of the best restaurant beach bar.The other case where my client asked what  to suggest him to make a romantic dinner in the villa , so I arranged a gourmet meal with chef, small candles floating in the pool and saxophone player playing  jazz music .

Have the patience to just get a good idea of who the players are so you won't get into a bidding war with any Investor that may cause you to overbid on a property.  

GREAT insight imo :)There are lots of players in the selling supplies and tools in REI, BP only being one.