Finding the local experts that are willing and able to lend their local market expertise so you can be successful.

You probably should search Google for business ideas, as we can not really give you any ideas, as we do not know your areas of expertise or likes!

Be careful when friends or family promise help or "expertise" because it can go bad in a heartbeat4.

. :)In RE you're equally in marketing (marketing yourself) and in skill building (expertise in terms of contracts, negotiation, etc.)

He seems extremely trust worthy and honest, and seems to want to help me learn this side of real estate (my expertise are on market real estate transactions)...  

I suggest having a specific strategy going into whatever sector you choose SF, Multifamily, or commercial once you figure which strategy then get your magic number (goal) (the income you want and how many properties it would take to get there).

Im not licensed so this isnt my area of expertise, but logically it would seem that if the agent is up front about who they are representing in the transaction then there shouldnt be an issue?

It is unlikely that your CPA has that level of expertise.

We are not as dependent on the energy sector as AB is.

Unemployment is low and a good spread of primary job sectors which gives me more confidence in its future.