I have 5 administrative staff members in my property management firm, and I trying my best to improve their customer service skills.My main interest would be to have telephone mystery shops done as I would think that in person shops might be expensive.  

But that shouldn’t stop you from investigating thoroughly and deciding which one works for you.I firmly believe that practically ANY market has investment potential as long as YOU are properly educated to assess the opportunity.

Also, in Commercial RE there is a certain amount of credence, from both Sellers and Buyers, given to the "Marquee" firms, the CBRE's and such, that maybe wouldn't be afforded to a smaller brokerage house.

I work in Newton on Washington St for a construction management firm, but have been doing finish carpentry most of my life.

Have any of you ever ran into a situation where a wholesaler and/or an investment firm requested previous deal history as a prerequisite in them even considering your offer?

There's a law firm near me that specializes in this 'jury trial' tactic, everybody has a right to a jury trial.  

@Ted EadsI am trying to get the appraiser to go out with a suit and respirator but haven't gotten a firm answer from him.The lender says since he started the appraisal that he is the only one that can finish it.

Zack,While i think private lending is a geat investment (and a safe one since you hold the note) I'm a firm believer in "don't put all your eggs in one basket."  

I am a firm believe in maps.

Our firm East-West Property Advisors (based in Hong Kong and Shanghai) did a survey a few weeks ago asking exactly that question.