I tried a lot of different aspects of real estate investing, took a crash, lost it all decided to focus on one thing I did well and become exceptional at it.I always enjoyed transforming ugly houses into beautiful ones, never liked dealing with tenants.decided to put all my eggs in one basket and guard the basket.., focus on one thing.... best decision I ever made.

First one is: Boles Metzgerhttp://www.webbuildersolution.com/websites/32930/  Very professional firm and been in the industry long time.  

As best as I can remember, there is no major industry there.

The 'industry standard' for property management fee structure seems like it could do with a re-design.Thanks,Matt

Another way I've considered using to gain knowledge of the industry is to find a job doing something related to real estate.

If you sign into any of the several websites (airbnb, homeaway, flipkey, etc) that makeup the online rental industry, you have access to the calender of any property listed.

I think you can very honestly say that, as Matt says, that your informal partners are industry professionals and lenders.

Dave and Frank are THE experts on that industry.

We wanted to turn it over as quickly as we could to reduce holding costs, yet we both have demanding full-time jobs (teacher and mortgage industry) and two little kids (5 and 2).

As my time in the investment and RE industry has progressed, I am looking to move into the commercial real estate area, with specialized knowledge in retail properties.