Now the challenges -- I filed bankruptcy 7 years ago (hasn't dropped off yet -- Chapter 7 has another 2-3 years left).

I am hoping that the govmit steps in and blocks those from those folks that are owner occ and got flooded and default.. investors not so much.

The challenge is figuring out which ones work for your targets.These days you can get an MLS listing with minimal (read none) service which is still the 800 pound gorilla for retail real estate when selling or leasing.

Anyone in this thread who claims to be an expert and can't see both sides, I would challenge your credibility and probably assume that the successes you point to were mostly just dumb luck that you're passing off as expertise after the fact. 

It was a stepping stone that led to bigger and better things. 

Step 0.

Hello Ana,I'm Brandon from RE/MAX in Huntington Beach,CA and we're together in the same boat.I got my license in June and have taken all the basic sales training the brokerage offers but,it's truly a struggle to get started in this business saturated by both new and long time experienced money making agents.I felt the same way about feeling unprepared and still do to a certain extent but,I am working through my jitters with the help of experienced mentors.I got my first listing from a family friend who had a friend with a house that needed remodeling and repairs.I was in no way ready to handle a transaction alone so my mentor took me by the hand and lead me through every step of the way with an ease an confidence to her that she developed over time and many sales.We sold it on the MLS and had 20 offers from investors and let me tell you it was exciting to be part of it.

Don't skip this step, as it is critical for banking, obtaining loans, and for defining the terms under which you and your partner dissolve in the case of a disagreement. 

If you work with them, they might let you step into the debtor's shoes at the reduced balance.They get a better debtor (hey, that rhymes!)

Somehow, my cousin is convinced that if something worse were to happen to his parents (they are 90 and 88 yrs old with increasingly challenging health issues), and they would to be cared for in a nursing home, that the state of NJ would step in and claim all the assets to "pay" for their care.