Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

But keep in mind all the franchisee firms are going to be focused on buying/selling full retail, MLS, owner occupant properties. 

Helps me focus my energy, that way I'm not off chasing to many butterflies. 

Code requirements are also way too stringent despite being often obsolete and irrelevant resuting in more burden to home buyers No wonder why there is less and less new construction in LA and why there is a housing crisisWe now try to focus on areas outside of LA jurisdiction 

I know there are a lot of other factors in purchasing a house that I didn't want to focus on with this thread. 

The one thing - my new favorite as the best business/productivity book every writtenGood to Great - my previous vote for best business bookGetting things done - David AllenTraction -  Gino Wickman about building your businessyounger next yearLifeonaire - How to focus on a better life not just more stuff. 

What type of houses/buildings are you focusing on?

In Chicago, there are management companies that focus exclusively on subsidized housing since it eliminates the rent collection issues, and this could be an interesting play in SB. 

I want to get started in real estate investing, but I worry about making my entire portfolio 100% focused on real estate.

When you're starting out you may want to focus on the real estate itself rather than focusing on the nuances of financing terms and conditions.