Thanks for the platform for us newbies to get started, and I look forward to building some good relationships on here.Bruce

I have learned a lot since I have joined Biggerpockets, let's give an enormous credit to the founder of this fabulous platform @Joshua Dorkin to put this together so people like you and I could share and learn from each other. 

Microsoft Excel - Can't live without itMicrosoft One Note - Keeping notes across multiple platforms, Evernote is a good option tooMicrosoft Power Point - For making pitch decks, Mac has competitive option too, can't remember the nameDropbox - Can't live without itChrome Browser - Most stable, ad free, light weightQuickbooks - I hate this software, but there is no alternative that accountants will accept without going to a multi-thousand dollar licensed big boy system

Especially in places like San Francisco, a very unique set of strategies can be employed to make a lot of money in a couple of years, gambling on out of proportion appreciation due to population increase.

I guess it must be the appreciation, which is considered speculative and gambling regardless of what history has shown.

I recommend buying a condo/townhouse as a training platform.

I know others out there have done deals through the platform, and I'd love to hear a story of how the site helped you, and to know how many deals have been made possible because of the platform.Any thoughts?

I don't know.On a networking platform, where you are looking to access other peoples networks, there needs to be some level of personal connection. 

For that money , it sounds like its worth the gamble 

Extensive experience in creating high-impact campaigns & partnerships across platforms & audience segments.