The sellers lender will do their own appraisal, and may feel its worth much more, or need to recoup much more than the current agreed sales price..  

Agreed.  

And I agree with you, CA is hostile to landlords so if your not investing in CA, no need for a license there. 

I totally agree @Bryan Devitt .. definitely not paying sticker price.

Instead, I invest in my belief about the market.I agree the evidence is compelling we might be near a peak.

I agree with @William Brown when he mentions to learn by doing!

@Marshall FairleyWhile I agree with @Ryan Blake that Myers, Networth & New Western get the MOST houses, I would recommend researching other investors experiences with these companies prior to pulling the trigger.  

I agree that the best thing is not to spend $250K on a reno and try to collect $2600 or more in rent.Years ago we decided not to live or do rentals in Ridgewood due to the lack of subway service to Manhattan.

@John Woodrich I also agree the zones will not be for everyone.

You should never allow contractors to work unsupervised regardless of whether th etennat is present or not.Very good point and I agree.