Have not done a deal yet but have been using social media for connections with other investors.

Steve, actually let me clarify I'm creating a startup called Seven Times Eight for freelancers, hackers, students, artists & anyone with an independent disposition where they can come together to learn, teach, collaborate, play & socialize.

I want to see myself begin to invest into homes in the next 2-3 years and I believe this social network would be a great learning portal.

I perform preliminary background checks including social media searches on all new prospective tenants and lease signees'. 

Many are trying to build computer models to identify a good deal, until we have artificial intelligence perfected RE is a knowledge game, a social interaction, a boots on the ground thing to verify valuation, condition, location, utility and function, things you can't put in a program, nor could you obtain the property data to input. 

Implementing this idea would not disclose any personal sensitive data like social security, credit score, etc.

I personally attend meetups and REI groups to network and network on social media.

( I'll tag a few people that I know are on top of it all, and if you can tag a few that you know are active with social media ... ) @Brandon Turner @Joshua Dorkin Account Closed

Should a new agent starting out pay for many different marketing tools or just focus on social media?

@Jessica SmithWelcome to the BP community, where you will find like minded individuals committed to REI and also helping others succeed.You expressed an interest in flips and as such I added the guide below for your review.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)Your time on this social media site will be well spent.You have taken the 1st step by announcing your readiness and commitment to embark on a REI career.Whether you pursue, wholesale, rehab & fIip or buy and hold it's up to you to decide.The bottom line is that you must take action to start.