What is the forecast I should be looking for?

Don't just go to them with "I have time, I'll trade it for your knowledge, teach me" - you just created a problem for them and now they have to figure if/how they can use you.Do you know your "Why"?

If you are in a trade or business, you may potentially be able to write off costs to attend a meetup, and meals while you attend.The purpose is justified as you are trying to build connections which is required within the real estate space.The costs of the meals have to be reasonable.

S8 is just trading one set of tenant problems, for another set.It is NOT a cure-all!

You are intentionally trading time for money to make the numbers work.

Because as chance has it N95 masks are also popularly used by RRP Contract work, so when hospitals called out for help, several of us in the trades side knowing this pitched in to help. 

Also, do you need to be in a certain trade/profession/military to be a member?

The trade-off might be worth it in order to avoid this problem in the future.

Simon, Here in FL its much easier for us because we know a few things:1) The U.S. is severely under supplied in housing units. 2) Tons of people are moving to Florida everyday which makes point #1 even more drastic for us. 3) Interest rates are preventing people from selling their homes, because then they would need to re-trade for a higher interest rate buying a new home, which is creating even more housing demand.So with this knowledge, now we move to more market specific data, which is what I talk about in the original post.If a market shows decent growth and demand, then it all boils down to the numbers.Its important not to forget about any costs though.

then ( at least in Oregon) contractor would sue lot owner for unjust enrichment.. and lot owner ends up paying double for many of the trades..