With each deal try to become more and more independent.

I just purchased a Macbook air with 8GB ram, independent intel 5000 graphics card, intel I5 processor, and 256 gb Flash drive for under 1000 dollars (with an education discount).

Everyone wants to become financially independent at an early age so we can follow our dreams and do whatever we want.

In researching those methods independently, I came across BiggerPockets.com and now I hope that this site will be an invaluable resource as I move forward in my real estate education.I understand that the competition in San Diego real estate is fierce and a difficult place to start, but I hope that I can overcome that challenge and allow the "steel to sharpen steel", and become a more knowledgeable and successful investor for it.

Be careful as taking excess deductions is not only an audit risk; however it is also a problem when getting financing for more properties.Gifting to family a property would be at fair market value as far as the Gift tax goes; however, the capital gain is calculated from YOUR basis.

Stuart I had the same internal debate when I did my first rehab and what I found was that every company that I called was literally tens of thousands more than an independent GC or individual subs were with the price.

For us the basement pour is was one of the largest single expenses so we approached an small independent (basement) contractor & he came in around 50% below our GC's quote & that of a couple of other larger companies.We also personally negotiated & purchased the windows, doors, kitchen cabinets, trim, flooring, mechanicals etc etc.

Find a local independent agent.

@Michael StoleAre you dealing with the in-house staff at both of these "Big-5" banks or are you using an independent broker in either case?

@Charlie Miller there are still lenders here in Florida willing to lend on an investment condo, they just typically require an audit of the HOA to show solvency and competency of handling funds.