If I had to go back to 1996 when I started, I would do the same thing - get a small multifamily and live in one of the units.One thing I'd change is that I'd operate on of the units as a short-term rental/corporate rental.The technology wasn't around then, but it sure is available now. 

Some brokerage wants you pay $2500 insurance in lump sum not to mention most have desk fee, technology fee, background checks.Suggest wait til you move to NC.

I would suggest that you use technology to it's fullest. 

(I've only just become aware of his clout/non-clout around the corridors of power).It came to my attention that he believes that January 1, 2018 is going to be the day that the next phase of their plan will be put into motion, and (from what I've read) he reckons there's nothing the President can do to stop Countries from diversifying away from the US dollar (into Distributed Ledger Technology).What say then the USA about their strategy of "quantitative easing", if that happens?

I love marketing/technology/software, and I enjoy the idea of doing deals. 

I'm hesitant to subscribe until I can get some recommendations.What would you recommend for new Agents to read/subscribe to keep abreast of current news, changes in laws, new strategies (such as using Instagram), new technologies, etc?

It is time to embrace the technology and work with it.

Reserve means nothing unless you are the only bidder.Work backwards: 230K retail5% hammer fee+$690 technology fee1% closing cost, you still need a realtor to administer the contract.Renovation: A simple paint job on a modest SFH will eat your $5K.

I love Gatlinburg/pigeon forge.

We are in changing times, technological, medical, economical and mailer count metric might make LESS sense with the accessibility of one-click mailing websites, photoshop, etc.When the other 7+ BILLION people in the world decide that America (with a mere 300+ million) isn't a good place to live, places where immigration is high (CA, TX) should start to worry.