I was a submarine nuclear reactor operator and SCUBA diver.I've always had an interest in Real Estate, but never thought to pursue it as a career or as an investment strategy.

Depends on your time commitments and pre-tax annual cash on cash desired for your alternative investments versus the one you currently have.The question becomes how hard you have to work for that 1,000 a month cash flow??

I just don't recommend it as an ALTERNATIVE to targeted direct mail to a carefully selected list.

I like the idea of picking up several properties (and experience) quicker compared to NYC, but am worried about appreciation.2) Alternatively, what strategies do my fellow NYC investors implement and/or recommend?

This will give you the best protection and could be much cheaper than the alternative.

Sometimes even if the deal is strong they might not want to do anymore of those loans.This is a smaller type commercial loans so maybe call the banks first and then try alternative sources after that.

That was a major snag here with us as it can run >$200 each time.Also I was of the opinion a post tension slab was supposedly less expensive than the alternative (with footings).

These landlord policies were no problem in Dallas but I am wondering if FAIR is in fact my only option or if there are alternatives for Katy, TX.

I have been brainstorming all day of alternative ways to satisfy all parties.

In this case, renting can very often be a much cheaper alternative.