It's great to have an industry professional eager to learn the "other side" of the business join our community.

After that, I moved to Champaign to attend UIUC's Masters of Human Resources and Industrial Relations program.I love ATV sports, travel, especially international, music, and learning new things.

However, I would like to do some part time work or volunteering in the industry to get better acquainted with the industry.

Their agreements were much more straightforward than what others in the industry have presented; many of which we have declined to sign because they were so one-sided.  

The demographics of Columbus and Austin are very similar on paper (capital, large university and lots of tech industry) BUT Columbus is no where near as affluent oand te downtown is just now becoming desirable so prices are lower.

Darren,I'm new in the industry so you should take my advice as a newbie but, what I have seen so far is when sellers say the prop needs work, usually means more than they are letting you believe.

Couldn't wait to quit the day job.I am the VP of the RAA (Rockford Apartment Association), a group of landlords (SFH, Duplex, Apts, even some commercial) who get together to stay informed of local issues facing our industry.

I am a newbie to the industry.

However, the further you leave the bay, most likely you will have a bit less appreciation and the local market could be dependent on certain industries that you need to figure out and be aware of.

Honestly, unless you are hell bent on REI only from day one, I suggest you start looking for a day job in a related industry so you can start learning "on the job" while earning a steady paycheck.