As to the new tax law, it reduces the amount that can be written off to 12K for individuals and 18K for married couples.

Otherwise they would all get luck, become hundred-thousandaires and then start teaching seminars to more delusional people and become millionaires about something they have little knowledge about. 

Not having an NMLS or real estate broker license doesn't automatically mean that what they are doing is illegal since there are provisions for one-off mortgage lending by unlicensed individuals (lending your nephew money to finish the garage being a good example), but there's about a 95% certainty that if you're doing it for a living and/or actively putting yourself out there as a mortgage lender of any form (like if they are doing enough volume that they use email templates...), you are supposed to be licensed.Another flag is anyone asking for up-front fees before you're even in escrow, or fees once in escrow that exceed a normal appraisal cost.If BOTH of these tests fail -- no license AND up-front fees -- they're almost certainly a scammer.

Feel free to shoot me your number or ask for mine and get me on the phone for an hour I’ll teach you how it’s done.  

When it comes up for renewal you can screen her as an individual and then make changes, if you decide.

Hello Beloved BP Community - I come to you once again for advice:I spent the last 10 years of my life being a W2 individual with decent income.  

Just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully connect with like minded individuals with a passion for real estate investing in my area.

Anyone invested in that area that has good referrals or suggestions on companies/individuals who do a great job? 

Derek please let me know if you are still looking to meet up with individuals.

Originally posted by @Russell Brazil:@Jay Hinrichs wife is an agent in Portland, likely with that experience. thanks Russ  we don't work with one off lot buyers..but I can answer the questions generically. hookup fees are 25 to 50k in this market. so pic and average and your fine.other than that as long as your utls are to the lot and its a legal lot of record your good to go.LOTS are sought after in a big way.. pretty tough pickings for individuals to beat the builders out if they do means they paid full boat retail and maybe more..