Im still new to all this, so I dont know if other people have had similar experiences or am I just shell shocked from the initial experience.

Received the signed purchase contract today.I was initially looking at houses for $400k+, so I am a little shocked to find myself about to buy at $550k.

That’s why it shocked me when I watched almost all my primary properties disappear as soon as I sent them over to the realtor.

There are a lot of opportunities here in California and the "sticker shock" scares off a lot of people who throw their hands up and immediately write this market off. 

@Aladdin P.We use 8.3% on every analysis and are pleasantly surprised by multi year leases or tenants that renew.

Last year my wife and I visited Seattle and we were shocked.

I had never been to Frisco until a few months ago and my wife (who is from the Dallas area) was shocked by how much development is going on there. 

There are the stages of grieving, and their is no order, or shock, anger, denial, and acceptance.

You can start right where you are sir.Remedy: Start now by telling your friend you want a deal very soon and that he should tell you exactly what you need to make that happen, perhaps partner with him on a deal (you may be pleasantly surprised how things move fast) ===============You said:  I currently work a 55 hour a week job for $66,000 a year.

It might not be pleasant, but if the backlog is 2-3 weeks long, I'd say he's in the driver's seat.