Getting your real estate license is a fairly simple process.

One less paper bill to worry about.

I like accrual as the operator myself makes paper work easy and helps with your cash flow.

That one is not as simple!

What are some simple daily things to do to continually do market research ?

red flags are this.1. too quick to approve you when you have little to no expreince2. they don't ask you for detailed financial information from you.3. rates lower than you see from bigger legit lenders ( too good to be true)4. money up front and just like what happened to you.. need this fee .. oh and now I need that fee and of course you will get funding tomorrow if you pay this fee.. this is all a scam plain and simple. find reputable HML in your market go meet them.. if you have no experience it can be tougher.. if your credit is less than 640 can be tough.. if you have no cash for a down payment.. pretty much impossible..

I couldn't even find them in a simple google search so... next ;-)

I saw my first deal on paper that looked great!

If you are a strong negotiator you will get close to what you want to pay or walk away from the deal without giving it a second thought.Spell out on paper why your offer is where it is to soften the blow to the sellers agent.

I just had a client who only made 30k on paper because most of his pay was commissions and lender could only count the 30k base due to not enough commission income track record.