Essentially, I'd love to hear what other investors use as location criteria, from as broad as "I choose Kansas City Metro over Overland Park" to as specific as "I choose 30th street over Troost". how do you make these choices?

I tend to run major decisions by my investors, such as selling prior to the pre-defined time, refinancing the property, etc.

Seek broad education in real estate, business, tax law, government laws (federal, state, county, city), finance laws, real estate law and practices, and as much as you can think of that may or may not directly apply.Education Sources-Small Business Administration (SBA) (not just for loans)This is a taxpayer-funded organization just waiting to give you guidance and education.

Welome to BP britnney, Theres definately a lot of potential in the South Dallas part of town

If they do not have one, or it is broad, or does not match your area or areas of interest, you may want to move on.

Only problem is less to choose from and usually 20-30% more expensive per sq. ft. but definately worth it!!!

The federal securities laws define the term accredited investor in Rule 501 of Regulation D as:a bank, insurance company, registered investment company, business development company, or small business investment company;an employee benefit plan, within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, if a bank, insurance company, or registered investment adviser makes the investment decisions, or if the plan has total assets in excess of $5 million;a charitable organization, corporation, or partnership with assets exceeding $5 million;a director, executive officer, or general partner of the company selling the securities;a business in which all the equity owners are accredited investors;a natural person who has individual net worth, or joint net worth with the person

A broad knowledge of the segments of real estate is important.

Actions define the application of the law.Of most importance, can you afford to defend yourself in a lawsuit should a seller, buyer, licensed real estate agent, real estate company, lender, local government agency, or a state government agency sue you for your actions?

You need to DEFINE from the start what you want.For example if you do not mind crazy hours and emotional buyers then by all means go for residential real estate.If you want regular business hours and regular weekends off with larger paychecks look at commercial real estate.Do you enjoy house hunting or do you like number crunching analysis??