I have been looking for people to network with and have not had luck till i found BP via online podcast.  

The Independence City Council meetings are broadcast online at http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/City7/VideoEvents , but I don't think there is a way for people to ask questions remotely.The meeting is tonight, 6 September, at 6 PM Central time.Matt R.

A good contractor is a wealth of information and business / vendor connections that can save you a lot of money.

The company I hang my realtor license with can find the tenant, manage the property, and they have their own maintenance dept. to help the landlord save money and time.

After pricing everything out, I'm going to try to make my dollar go further by doing things like replacing window glass instead of getting new windows and refinishing the tub instead of getting a new one.yes refinishing a tub can save you a lot.

I have saved a good amount for a 25% down payment and have been prepping a commercial lender to work with me once I find a deal.  

If they are good, paying tenants, I would keep them in place for the first year and save up the cashflow so that when I do increase the rents, if turnover happens I have some money stored up to put towards the turn and have less come out of my own pocket. 

Can anyone refer me to a good online credit/background check.

You will get sick of constantly cleaning and replacing carpet so that your initial savings will probably disappear.  

I better start saving from now for that dinner:)..