We already know Manning can take a pounding.

I think you are being penny wise and pound foolish.

I'm putting in the hours and pounding pavement.

Then a few BP folks local to your rentals can pound you with yellow letters offering to take this mess off of your hands!

I guess it's better they do not have one in GA or I would gain 20 pounds........... : )I have always wanted to visit the windy city but have not had the chance to yet.

Just a couple random thoughts from a guy who pounds doors every day!

This is a 'once of prevention vs a pound of cure' kinda thing.

One of the biggest problems new landlords can face is over-leveraging and then being pounded with unexpected costs. 

I just need to keep pounding the pavement.  

have you ever been in sales.. have you ever sold cars... do you know how to qualify present and close do you know how to ask for the order.do you understand the escrow function.. do you realize selling real estate in CA without a license is not legal.. how are you going to get these leads.. if 997 is stretching your budget then your only course of action is bird dog.. talk  pound on doors.. but even that takes time and car and gas money especially in LA..being with limited funds and doing anything real estate related in California is a pretty tall order with a failure rate I suspect at greater than 99%.I think if you want in the industry you should apply and get a job as an assistant to a top producer get PAID to learn .. save your money.. then think about next step.one thing I have seen in my years is starting real estate agents who get on teams work for 3 to 5 years build their confidence and bank account then go out on their own.. many to start their own business in 7 to 10 years.Also if your VERY detailed oriented one other way to be self employed is to start at a mortgage company and learn how to process loans..