Fortunately, REI is an expansive and varied playing field and there are many ways for many different types of investors to be successful.

Either should be able to help you with the practicalities of getting the papers in place.The simpler and more streamlined you can make it for the seller the greater chance of success you will likely have.

I joined bigger pockets to learn from people that have been successful in the buy and hold game and also because I have no idea where to start when it comes to doing background checks, marketing the property, and what I'm supposed to be tracking along the way. 

Are you successful in doing in part time?

By no means all inclusive source of information due to different state and municipal laws, but he does frame a some pretty good strategies for recruiting, managing applications, and setting tenants up for success.

Right now, my interests are in multi-family apartment rentals, but we would be interested in learning more about your successes and how you can flip so many homes per year.

My wife and I have been actively connecting with wholesalers and realtors and have found success. 

----------------------------------------------SO............ my personal experiences seems to be far different than those that are really stating that these higher priced MSAs are not good for investing.BUT, as you can see, I have been incredibly successful by investing in these higher MSAs, but in my specific locations in Brooklyn, looking for higher rental appreciation and value appreciation as well as a large supply of great tenants and low crime.When I now go back to the article, which really is a bit misleading from the Headlines, here is the remaining part of the New York area statistics that I left out above:10.

Furthermore, if you are having difficulty distinguishing things like emd vs downpayment, who holds the emd, etc it is very likely you will successfully execute a wholesale deal.If you feel you have found a good deal find a veteran and JV with them to learn the process.  

But I haven't met many successful 'self-made' CRE investors who haven't lowered their pain factor, crunched their timeline or increased their learning curve without seeking out a mentor or two on the way.