@Brandon SmothermanWelcome to the vibrant BP community, where you will find like minded individuals committed to REI and also helping others succeed.You didn't mention a niche of interest, so I added three links below for your reading please and selection.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)Your time on this social media site will be well spent.You have taken the 1st step by announcing your readiness and commitment to embark on a REI career.Whether you pursue, wholesale, rehab & fIip or buy and hold it's up to you to decide.The bottom line is that you must take action to start.

There are several lenders out there that have a certain flavor for risk and choose to implement or guidelines to protect themselves.

Vibrant musical sceneEqually vibrant start up sceneQuality infrastructureHospitals, schools, a very large supply of KindergartensFavorable rent control policyHigh security in the streetsQuality public transport and airportsSurprisingly good food sceneComparatively low pollution.

@Ray Lai shhhhhh I'm trying to decide what flavor of latte to get at Starbucks right now

The other 20% are coupon shopping for the cheapest flavor of the week and are not loyal.

They come in a few different flavors.

You have refrigeration, Air Conditioning, a smart phone, the internet, Air Jordans, two computers, take vacations, go to college, 37 flavors of ice cream, have 365 channels of TV (I didn't say they were worth watching ;-) health insurance, life insurance, fire insurance, auto insurance, home owner's insurance, SDIRA, 401(k), plastic surgery, viagra, fast food and can call the shots of just about anything you want to do or be.I grew up in a 790 sq ft house with 4 brothers, a cousin & aunt and my folks. 

Step 2 is to "pick you flavor", REI reminds me of the Baskin Robbins I went to as a kid, I would stand at the counter in paralyzed awe as my Ma would say "what do you want", "all-of-it!!!!!!"

(By the way, there are legal exceptions- that is another story and difficult to navigate), Now not only does that inhibit a growing and vibrant economy but for this to happen as a result of a law to "supposedly" protect the consumer is absurd!!!

As you will be learning, all real estate is local, so getting the flavor of how things are viewed in your area is another first step before diving in.