I was a business major with a background in finance but ended up becoming a software engineer working for startups in San Francisco.The startup I work for has grown from 4 to almost 100 people which has made the hours more manageable and given me time to explore other entrepreneurial pursuits.I've saved up a small sum of cash to invest this year and I hope to learn a lot in my time here :)

Joseph Weisenbloom: I would take the information as a 75% solution due to the fact of not knowing the algorithm used for the software nor the categories used to determine what is/is not considered "crime".

.- Have the investor's CPA or lawyer write a letter attesting to the fact that they are accredited.Obviously the tax returns are the best route to go.

You then write up a loan agreement with her and she loans her money to you.

If you're good at keeping the customer happy, and get good at bringing in business once you advance somewhat, you can get on the partnership track and make some very serious money.If you're willing to move to a different field, computer hardware and software engineer continue to be a lucrative field.

I have no experience with the software but here are a few forum posts comparing and reviewing it:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/44375-freedom-soft-anyone-plan-on-purchasing-it-http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/91576-would-like-opinions-on-freedomsoft-program-offeringhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/67210-realeflow-open-road-3x-versus-freedomsoft-vs-sims-20http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/83761-my-review-of-investorpro-vs-realeflow-vs-freedomsoft

We have been thinking about looking at the area since we really like Chicago and wouldn't mind being able to write off a couple trips out there every year

I didn't write up a contract.

Also, Realtors who are investor-minded can be helpful to new investors because we alleviate some of the stress associated with locating, negotiating, writing up contracts, and closing the deal.

I often joke that someday I will write my "memoirs" about all of my adventures in real estate/landlording!