It has proven to be an excellent buy.

It doesn't need to be Skype or a video call, but you should at least request a current picture and copy of driver's license so you can at least recognize your tenant.Texting is fine for sharing facts and short statements. 

Ultimately, I think all of the above resources have value, the key is just to recognize their limitations and combine them with other sources to compensate for where they fall short. 

As a cash based taxpayer you don't recognize gain until receipt of the funds. 

Hello BP colleaguesI live in Southern California and from what I hear series LLCs are not recognized by the state of CA.

I dont sell enough properties to recognize names of low ballers, but like anything, you can get a reputation in this business. 

Last week, I invested in a conservation easement...strategy presented by my CPA in VA, called a colleague in SC, he referred me to a financial adviser in GA, and ended up investing in a property in AL...all without leaving the office.Incidentally, on the conservation easement, as I was reading the PPM, I recognized one of the general partner's names from prior networking and he happened to have an account on BP; so, I PM'ed him and then spoke with him on the phone (which is uncommon for the conservation easements sold through financial advisers).

I recognize and realize I have to buy it before I can sell it.

Now that time has passed and with my age, getting back into employment has proven challenging and not looking very attractive. 

The good news is I’ve recognized this as a weakness that I need to address so are there any suggestions on REI books, business books, or anything else completely different you feel may help drive that mentality away?