Sounds like you were doing pretty good if you made $30,000 doing it while in college.The biggest thing I can tell you at this point is learning as much as you can and networking as much as you can.

Everywhere you go network with people.

I want to network with people out here in Las Vegas, where are some good REI clubs i can check out?

I would begin to network at all of your local real estate investor associations.

Hey guys,I'm new to the game and in need of a mentor, very interested in networking and connecting with anyone in the general area who is investing.

But I also refine my model every time I get new data, and one day I'll find that the 50% rule is actually the 48% rule (or the 45% rule, or whatever) for me, based on my economies of scale, my location, my costs, my network of professionals, etc.My only point is that experienced investors should trust *their own* numbers (including experience and historical data) more than the seller's, the realtor's, or even the 50% rule.I think where we are disagreeing is, if an investor were to come on this board and said, "I have 100 properties with average OE of 44%, and I'm looking for another 100 properties...what OE should I use for my future analysis?"

I did some wholesaling when I was living in Milwaukee a few years back and now I am determined to get up and running once again here in Chicago.I am always looking to network with other investors and am always more than willing to take any advice and help that is given to me.

Staci,Welcome....I am currently in your neck of the woods for two (long) weeks at Disney.Have your started networking at any of your local REIA meetings yet?

As big as you can make it with good solid buyers, just keep working the list and networking to the best of your ability.As for a percentage of ARV this is going to depend on your market conditions and the type of buyers you have.

.- immediately place contact info from networking into my database. - Go to county courthouse- learn what info is available from clerks.- setup DBA- network- Locate good webdesigner to set up business website.- Design & printout business cards using local business.- Use local business to manufacture fifty bandit signs