Some are computer savvy and realize the benefits of technology and some are computer phobic (I happen to work for one that straddles the line, hehe) or are not clear on the benefits.Perhaps the concern from the brokers perspective may be, if you are working on all this computer stuff, when will you have time to sell real estate since you are part time anyway.Therefore, my suggestion to you is this: Forget offering computer work during the interview process, don't even bring it up except to say something like: "I am computer literate and know my way around a computer fairly well".

Both meet monthly close to my home and cost about the same for an annual membership.Any suggestions for a newbee - does the larger offer more benefits due to its membership size, or should I go with the smaller group so that I may be able to find a mentor and not get lost in the crowd?

looking at rentals only - lets say your strategy is to purchase to hold and rent - thus sucking up appreciation, depreciation and cash flow, tax benefits etc.rents usually are comparable to values in the area OR they're less (not good - see Long Island, New York).

The benefit to that system is the comission split is 100% , so when you close a deal you get 100% of the comission.Alot of other brokerages and companies do a split.

I'll gladly post it here on the site so others can benefit from it.

If so, do you think that the numbers they quote for specific renovations are accurate or is there a % that I should adjust to get a more accurate number?

"be aware of any transaction where the seller is giving cash or other benefits to the buyer of the property."

As for displaced Katrina victim's.....I agree that some of the individuals are not adjusting well to their new enviroment but, many are becoming productive citizens and adding to Houston's strong economy.

We're glad you're here.Since you know a little about pre-construction investing,maybe that should be where you begin.Maybe not right now, but in about a year, the prices inCalifornia will adjust to reasonable again, and there will be opportunities for fix-n-flips.

Assignments helped to drive real estate prices into artificially high values, forclosures are on the rise because of adjustable rate mortgages, and the bank is stuck with a property that isn't actually worth as much as they lent on it.