I've always been interested in architecture and houses and while the trig classes as an undergraduate in Architecture ensured that I wouldn't be the next Frank Lloyd Wright, my love of design still stays with me.  

Adhering to fake rules of thumb will ensure that you buy crap in crap markets. 

Final and most important point, surround youself with people who are very knowledgeable and look at for your interest becasuse I have found in life that most things can be accomplished if creative thinking is done but most important planning ahead and that might, depending on your level of expertise, mean you need to find a few investors or CPAs, or investor groups to hook up with.I am investor and every true investor I have met, actually loves helping people succeed. 

I would definitely consult with an attorney and CPA to ensure that you get what you need and want for your goals and purpose...

Super resources and creative investing ideas!

If so, does the agent put together a contract to ensure that my finders fee is paid beforehand?  

I like creative financing with a project like this where you can't get burned.

- however, renting is the right option at the moment and I want to ensure that I cover my own back without coming off as over-sensitive or pushy. 

Your time here will be well spent.Since you expressed an interest in buy and hold as well as multifamily units, I added links below for your review.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/07/19/how-to-buy-a-duplex/ (guide to buying a duplex) https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/16/how-to-choose-areas-multifamily-deals/ (Choosing multi-family deals)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. 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/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.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 REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

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