I have been following the BP discussions and saw that many of you are actively looking for a first deal.If any of you guys want to meet for coffee to exchange ideas or just talk about the RE market in Baltimore, drop me a line and we'll make it happen.

Bryan,I'd be interested in talking with you.  

Most fire inspectors I've talked to are very forthcoming and nice individuals.  

We are not talking about taking on a huge amount of debt here, it is one unit, and you are capped @ 70% of appraised value.

We talked a bit and they have no idea where they sit on pricing.

I was talking to a well known couple who have been investing in Saratoga since the 90s just a couple of weeks ago (Fred and Shannon Scheidt of Saratoga Excelsior Group).

read  a lot there is great info here on the site... talk to a lot of people learn from there mistakes so you dont have to make them your self...I work in your area can be more then happy to chat with you..build a team around you  that you trust   .. 

I would use a local bank and talk to them about portfolio lending.They can structure the deal such that you only get the money you need as the project goes forward.  

Most of that time was spent educating myself by reading books, talking to other investors, and watching youtube videos.

Talk to some local banks about portfolio lending.