With a combined 40k we plan on getting another rental in the area and splitting it 50/50.

So there are tons of great niches and unique backgrounds on this website.Definitly check out the blogs, podcast and forums.

Classes are 3 hours each, which where combined with the knowledge available on BP, I will get a really good education in a brand new field.

If it is to keep it as a separate unit, DEFINITELY check with them on that one, I know from personal experience that at least on the east side where those attic units popped up everywhere maybe during the 70s and 80s the city's been doing everything they can to eliminate those 3rd units, they either can be combined with upper unit for a "super unit" or must be abandoned.

.• I am a Realtor in Las Vegas and my practice is almost exclusively remote investors and most of my clients use either LLCs or LLCs in combination with what is called a Nevada Asset Protection Trust to protect their assets. 

By far the best deal I've found in California lately (condo is in a good neighborhood near 15 fwy /60 fwy interchange).I know I have the dreaded "sample size of 1" to work with but am I crazy to think that I should focus on going after short sales and look for unique opportunities in CA to give offers under asking? 

Most here can't define real property and why it is valuable or explain why RE is unique and different fro other investments, The basis for valuations, nor have I seen much on the three valuation techniques of property and why one is given more weight than another.

@Les Jean-Pierre you can combine multiple accounts into one self directed IRA or Solo 401k.Almost anyone can set up a self directed IRA, while Solo 401k will not work for everyone.

This, combined with classic books like "Landlording on Autopilot" by Mike Butler were helpful to me. 

I'm very very new to the real estate market and looking for any useful and unique tips on evaluating my first investment purchase and getting off to the right start.