On a random side bar I've got family that live in Hawthorne :).

I remember when I was trying to get my first few deals done, I made a ton of random phone calls (to people who were a lot smarter than I was).

You know it gets a bad rap, but I have literally looked up more random things on Investopedia than any CFA book or Finance book.

Hopefully this post is allowed...  my real gig (besides RE investing) is wedding video production.  That is obviously not happening right now so one way we've diversified is by offering RE media (photos, matterport, d...

From time to time, my dad (who lives where I invest) will go to a property to meet with a tradesman, unlock a door or perform a random task (like empty the coin op washer/dryer).

Even though I trust everyone's knowledge on market environments, its difficult for me to randomly select a place like Columbus OH for example and start pricing out properties simply because investors are saying the market is hot in this area.

If we plan ahead and revise our plans from time to time accordingly, it would be better than just do it randomly without any preparations.

If you don't, you're going to end up with a random mismash of investments that are most likely not ideal for your risk profile.When you do that, then you can look at the sponsor intelligently.

You bought a house from the agent, then he just starts giving out your number as a reference, and you have random strangers calling you.

Randomly calling senior executives shows that you're an amateur and will not help you be taken seriously.