@Harrison Wright @Kelby K.IMO it all starts with marketing and getting good at a defined target market.

     Alright then, it couldn't be possible that other people use/define the term differently then you.

I’m giving it another shot and optimistic I can get something going this time armed with better tools.Right now, I’m working on defining my goals, the market and types of property I’d like to invest in, and a personal budget for my investing capital.  

Even before I defined this goal, I've always had a weird obsession with searching for properties just for fun (and now there's $$ involved!).

You really need to define what market you're looking at before looking at the ROA.With that being said, IMO, the best rental areas should have ROA of 6 to 14 percent.  

My experience has been HOA protected properties have a clearly defined maintenance and operating arrangements that all equity holders know of in advance and benefit from the maintenance.The encumbered properties without HOA were a nightmare.

Don't ever let your bankruptcy, sicknesses, accident, etc... define who you are.

So the question becomes what is your clearly defined goal ? 

I started at the biggest broker in California 10 years ago and learned so much of what i needed to do so was glad it didI now work at a smaller (16 actives) Brokerage where I get more freedom to specialize in investing, and service investors which is my strength and a smaller Broker will usually give more perks in marketing, leads, and guidance in tough deals and have more appreciation and better commissions.Summary:Start with the majorslearn what you like and define your specialtiesMove to a smaller broker when you are seasoned.

It was about writing off real estate depreciation on taxes.And so, I started looking at this BP site, and it started to get me thinking, and realizing that this real estate investment thing looks like a great fit for what I want to do in the next 15-16 years before retirement.I've been reading, and watching the BP YouTube channel, and am looking at developing my strategy, and defining my niche.Looking forward to attending a meet-up some time soon, in the meantime, I might be the guy asking all kinds of questions..