I have to find my own deals on realtor.com AND zillow email alerts based on a filter.My low ball offers are much more likely to be given a serious look because i developed a relationship with the listing agent, my best resource to take my offer to the seller and make the pitch. 

Being a parent not withstanding, good will is difficult to build and very easy to loose.I would rather owe the banks and if a jam develops have family back me up then get into  a jam with family.

My first REI deal was also a similar disaster except it was a development project.

The center is very well maintained with tremendous upside- the previous owner was a big company focused on its development business and neglected this center (it was its only shopping center), such that it has about 68% occupancy.

I originally grew up in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, but for the past two years, I have been working as a software developer in lower Manhattan.I have basically zero background in real estate, but I hope to learn a lot from this community -- enough for my wife and me to invest in one or more rental properties within the next two-to-three years that will give us a nicer return beyond our retirement mutual funds. 

You shouldnt focus/invest in all kinds of multifamily (ground up development, small multis BRRRR, large apartments syndication, medium size multifamily wholesale, etc).

Developing a skill and getting a good specialized education in college will assure you will make more than your less educated counterparts .

Hello BP Community,Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been lurking for a couple months as I've been in avid learning mode. I have so many ideas on avenues in RE I'm interested in pursuing I admit at times it's over...

Here is one that I developed a few years ago when we used to bid at Florida auctions (Can't get formatting properly):1Property Search & Filter Search properties a minimum of 5 days in advance, valued between $XXK and $XXXK2Review Crime ReportsAvoid high crime and high vacancy areas3Determine ARVMake an informed decision of the Fair Market Value/After Repair Value based on comparables, tax assessment and physical condition4Enter Property Data into SystemRecord ARV, Assessed Value, Sq Ft, No.

Caught a lucky development wave and crushed it on appreciation gains.