I was speaking from a macro view of a niche operation in the real estate industry, mostly residential investing or operations.

My wife fell in love with the view and all of the sea birds and has been dying to live in it. 

Many, including myself, view him as your typical slum lord.

I'm currently working in the South Bay (Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, etc.) doing brokerage and some development.

@Bill Gulley being a real estate agent doesn't fix it , "Former RE agent gets 6 years"Follow the link below to view the article.indianapolisstar.in.newsmemory.com/publink.php?

You may also choose to deduct an allowance for depreciation - whether you do or do not is a decision based upon your current and {anticipated} future tax situation.That which remains is your net income from the taxman's point of view.

Once I felt comfortable with what I had read, and had saved up enough, I contacted my realtor and started viewing properties that would cash flow positive.  

That intown area, like most intown Atlanta, needs to be viewed differently than say a suburban property.

I'm not sure I completely understand what you're describing.

Darius, what you describe usually takes place between two investors: one found a deal but doesn't have enough money so he/she brings a JV partner with money.As a lender, it doesn't mean we would not entertain an equity investment.