That said, I think the OP was simply stating that being able to strike a good deal with people who follow very distinct cultural traditions in all aspects of their lives -- including business -- requires knowing enough about that culture.

I believe the largest advice that I've gained was to make sure there are always more pictures on a home, especially one that has been sitting for a while and selling "as is."

Our goal is to be among the largest and most well respected real estate investment and development firms in the state.

For being the 3rd largest MSA, real estate prices are relatively moderate. 

Currently I am a Construction Manager for the largest production home builder in the US and have built a few hundred homes ranging from single family, villas, town homes 6+ unit, and luxury estate homes.

You are working with what is often people's largest investment or their life savings. 

I'm closing on my first rental property this week and will open a new account to keep real estate accounting distinct from my personal accounts.

There is a critical point of distinction to be made about investing and personal living -- you want to live where it is best to live and invest where it is best to invest. 

By the way these institutional investors will be paying retail for these assets because cash flow is king and the largest payer in the world will be printing loads of money for housing and that player is the US GOVERNMENT!

@Nick GerliThanks for sharing, this is interesting indeed.A few points/questions:To clarify, is this the bottom 15 (sorted by appreciation) out of the top 100 largest metros by population?