Exceptions to this would include scenarios where the investors are willing to work you through mistakes (i.e. they aren't Uncle Joe, they are seasoned investors that will walk you through difficult projects) and scenarios where the truly great deal is simply out of your reach alone.But, for most people, I bet that getting started small, on your own, with 100% ownership is probably ideal. 

Great feeling I bet!

Major retailers spend a significant amount of money and time scoping out areas for stores, so if you see a Starbucks pop up in a neighborhood, you can bet the company has sufficient evidence to believe that the area is on the rise.

We do collateral based "hard money lending".I'll bet we can help.Give me a call or email.

I bet not, if you do then you will have problems. 

I would bet the house has high humidity or condensation on the windows.

We get higher rents than what the surrounding neighborhood offers, but they're lower than in other, perceived as safer, neighborhoods.

I'm also struggling to find a realtor that doesn't speak in 3 word sentences or even wants to meet in person to discuss my goals -- maybe it's just the area, heavy competition, and a lot of "investors" (probably like myself) who spin people's wheels without ever getting really serious.I'm also considering areas like Montclair and Bloomfield because of easy NYC access - they seem like they could be safer with longer term tenants, but I'm not as familiar with the rental markets.I'm reading and digesting as much as possible, getting familiar with terminology/concepts, but I'm struggling in general to get focused and be confident that I'm going about this the right way.  

A drink or two later the egos came out and before I knew it a $100 bet was on the table that I couldn't build a house and move in within 18 months. 

I'm not arguing that the Cash Buyer doesn't deserve the lion's share of the deal, but I love being in a position to get much healthier Wholesale Fees for my  Wholesale partners.You can bet for the guy that just whacked up that $45K assignment with us this afternoon-it's going to be a good Christmas this year!!