Craig,You might check out CAREIA, which meets in Lisle, with other events, including a cashflow game in Lombard.  

In general leveraging is the name of the game when it comes to rental properties.You'll want to search for portfolio lenders in the areas you want to invest.

I am working to get into the buy fix and hold game in the Charlotte market.

The problem I'm finding is that investors with money are putting in offers right away before I can even walk into them to inspect before I get n offer in.It's the name of the game

My kids aren't school aged yet, but the name of this game is location!

The article is in the LA Times and is a column "Eviction system allows itself to be gamed, frustrating landlords".

Just curious 1) how you shakers and movers out there would spend a limited monthly marketing budget and 2) about any advice for how someone new to the game can find good, investor-friendly realtors. 

But keep in mind as the housing prices go up, you are more than likely going to have more strict enforcement.

I was fortunate to get one plus I rent out my primary in this area during football game weekends.I really want to start direct mail marketing. 

Remember that this is a numbers game. 100:10:1 is a good ratio to keep in mind if you are a new investor.