This will help you, to focus you learning and ask pertinent questions specific, to your REI Objectives.

I hope to use my unique position as a (future) real estate attorney to my advantage as a real estate investor and vice versa. 

Investors have told me before that have tons of income and cash flow they would rather make cash flow in future years or big equity gains when the tax environment is more favorable to them.What I have learned over 15 years talking to thousands of investors from all walks of life,income, and net worth levels is that their specific goals and modes of investing are unique and vast.

My situation is rather unique in that 23 of our properties are on 15 year mortgage is the other eight are on seven year fully amortized loans and yet we still cash flow it $300 per month on the SFR.

If it's a property that is already priced fairly, and you know (you'll know this after you gain some experience) that it will go fast at that price, and it's a price that works for your investment objectives, you can make a low offer, but be ready to raise it immediately if they don't go for it. 

Without a plan, you'll just wonder around aimlessly and get distracted by every shiny object; which is not very productive.And just stay active here in the BP forums as much as you can!

Building my real estate portfolio is key to reaching that objective and I am on my way.  

I understand the benefits of the on-the-ground knowledge and the unique perspective an investor-agent brings.

Another option would be to look for the city's Master Development Plan, which should give you an indication of the community's objectives, the existing physical and demographic conditions, as well as any development plans for the city and how they will be implemented.Sorry, one more thing - you might consider picking up the book, "Big Shifts Ahead."

After getting interested in real estate earlier this year, a couple friends and I decided to start networking and expanding our knowledge in real estate in hopes of getting an early start to a unique and productive investment portfolio.