In 2012, at the suggestion of my financial advisor, I picked up a couple rental properties in Highlands Ranch and they've performed quite well.  

All I can say is when I picked that first rental payment up I was hooked and I realized that investing in properties was in my future.

You have to listen and not recreate the wheel.

Marie P.I did pick up on your earlier post in that regard, I think you are on to something.One statistic I've always found amusing and don't quite know what to make of it is that in California as of February 2015 there were 137k licensed brokers + 265k licensed salespersons = 402k licensees.So, 1/3 of the total licensees are brokers.  

Agreed, yes I know there are some really Bad areas in PSL, and I personally would be hesitant to pick the right areas, without some serious research.

Originally posted by @Mary Ann Casey:My go-to spots have been Home Depot and Lowes, Oakland's Habitat for Humanity,  I agree - Habitat for Humanity usually has really great deals - we were able to pick up some $40 light fixtures for $5 and $75 fans for $10 - many things you can find are still in good condition - they have great deals on nails , screws, used paint ( it's not in the shape of a house)  etc.  

Decided 3 years ago that buying duplexes in the nicest parts of Minneapolis was a better long term investment, and have picked up two so far.

I have never had any kind of formal training on any of the platforms, so my success (and maybe lack-there-of) is based on my ability to pick it up and run with it (or not).

Smack the trench crete with a sledge and pick it out with a crowbar. 

Then she asks if I need to get into the daughters rooms, so she could have them pick their clothes off the floor.