Jeff and his partner host a meet-up in the SouthBay once a month if you're ever down this way and would like to attend and network.

Getting several bids on structual issues from reputable firms would be a great idea to help weigh out the profit potential of a property that is not a sound structure.

Also, find yourself a good title company and establish a relationship with a top notch escrow officer with that firm.

If you want to network with other real estate investors in the Bay Area, @Jeff Pollack and his partner host a monthly meetup in San Jose.

If you work in a huge office for a huge company, it's easy to get swallowed alive.Where I am, in NYC, some of the big firms hire literally anyone coming out of a licensing course.

I'm walking through a for sale by owner income property in the near future - is it appropriate to have a casual conversation with the owner about if they are firm on price or does it really need to be done with a written offer?

Buy seller financed property from a seasoned firm that offers cash flowing deals with 10% down 30-year non-recourse money

I've been an appraiser and a broker for many years...now I'm trying to find my way in the short & long term property investment game.I have flipped a few houses with my dad over the past couple years, as the broker and guy on the ground (he lives in Cali) but now I am venturing off on my own.I have a very firm grasp on how to locate, determine market value of distressed properties, and after rehab market value via my appraisal experience but am still learning the ins-and-outs of investing.I look forward to getting more involved in this site and learning from people who have been through it all.I am currently under contract with a house in the burbs and looking for a good CPA familiar with r.e. investing to get my finances in order, if you know one in the S or SW burbs of Chicago, please let me know!

Don't mean to hijack your thread, but how did you find it easy to get in with a firm?

I currently work for an engineering firm designing building systems for commercial, retail, hospitality, education and healthcare markets.