I work as a civil engineer-in-training for a consulting office that mainly deals with municipal/bridge design and construction management.

I may try and rely on that  and keep up some on going communication with him.

Nice thing is I'm a workplace filled with young people who are coming up on time to buy their first house.Ideally, i'm looking for a very flexible set up - A brokerage that is close to my current workplace, good training, investor friendly, and reasonable fees.

Normal location issues apply to investment properties also:  busy road, train tracks, next to volunteer fire department, etc.

Don't get caught up thinking you'll catch the express train all the way to the top.  

Martin I already plan to check out your meetup :) I found Johnson H's on meetup.com, and unfortunately I can't make it to San Jose (no car at the moment, and even if I did have one/took the train, I'm at work until 7:00ish on tuesday)Again, sweat equity is fine, but personal where it only makes sense if I'm the one doing the labor is not.

I have seen it happen many times.My self I have the Developers license.. there is NO test.. but you do need a bond and you do need insurance.. so the cost to be a fix and flipper in Oregon LEGALLY is about 3 to 5k. and ongoing insurance.

or use the free training here. 

It's up to someone to provide ongoing maintenance on a building no matter what the year. 

A good one will work with you in your market, help you "set up shop", and get you up and running with something that should put enough money to at least pay for your training in a matter of weeks.