I live in a very hot market in Fort Collins, Colorado - any deal to be had will MOST LIKELY NOT be found on the MLS. One of my 4-plexes was an off market deal that came about because me and the previous owner found a ...

We fortunately/unfortunately live in a high priced market.Frankly, this is the prime reason why I elected to move my REI business out of state.It's not practical for everyone, but, an option that you may want to consider in parallel with upstate investing.However, don't be disheartened you have to play with the deck of cards served and find a way to win!

Sure thing.I'm actually a full time attorney that focuses his practice heavily on real estate.

Many, many in this arena are nothing more than advance fee scam artists and/or identity theft phishing enterprises.Respectfully,Charlie, it comes security and exchange and finance laws of "private" money dealings, exemptions from trade practices between parties that have had prior business dealings, that are known to each other, where they may be related by blood or marriage, where the source of funds is from their own assets and where such lender is not in the business of lending. 

Do this exercise over a period of a week or so.

What are the best practices on amounts of leverage and reserve cash?

You can search by practice areas (real estate, bankruptcy, etc.)

I'm here really to learn more about that, and also long term rentals and best landlording practices - two things I've not had experience in.

It's just that the laws cover some things that seem like an innocent practice that are covered by specific laws.  

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since your profile mentions your involvement with flips and wholesaling, I added the below links for your review and to boost your practical knowledge.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/10/09/getting-started-real-estate-wholesaler/ (BP Podcast 091 Wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/10/31/wholesaling-podcast-mike-nelson/ (BP Podcast 042 - wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/08/15/wholesaling-business-lamar-cannon/ (BP Podcast 031 - wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?