If I'm 25 years old, I'm either having more cash to spend for 25 years with higher cash flow, or I'm waiting until I'm 50 to reap projected results that are not guaranteed, and that I have no control over.  

(that training was not available to me, probably because the agency didn't have a clue to how to invest, how to make money or creative financing terms)  An idea that may have merit.......Interview agents. preferable a new agents.Let the agent know what your objective are (to buy, to control, to flip to build your portfolio)Be honest, let the agent know you are serious and that you have the cash or technique to control real estateSign a buyer broker agreement with the agencyIt is important to let them know that you will pay them a fee on unlisted properties that you buy.You need to lay out a plan that will help you and them to put together profitable transactionsOffer to not only pay a commission but you will list with them when you are ready to sell and (this is important) that you will give them a percent of your net profitsBe generous with your agent, offer a gas credit card, cash for giving you expired listing, buy lunch and give them cash from time to time.

This isn't to start a debate on thoughts of gun control, just to simply ask the question: Is it okay for a real estate agent to carry an unconcealed firearm (on the hip or somewhere noticeable) for their own safety?

Ned and others here have great comments.RIGHT...................... you can't buy them all.......BUT if you know how, you can control them all, all the time, remember you don't have to settle real estate to make a profit.....CONTROL is the game plan you may want to consider.

I started with the free course wow did it open my eyes.....looking to expand as quickly as possible and would love to meet up with the other investors in my area.......also if anyone in my area needs professional advice with termites im a 6 year vet in the pest control business ......thx Daniel

So............what, I say don't believe him, don't get negative on the property.....I say WRITE IT UP, put it in a contract, that's your offer, the offer that is good for you....now that it is written it is time to negotiate (someone said "If they don't cry, your offer is too high", they also said, "Buy Low Sell Low and do it Often" that saying has changed for me over the years to "Control Low, Assign Low and Sell by Public Auction"The owner of a property has a property to sell, that is his world, you have thousands of properties to consider, to look at, to make offers on.

Tenants will follow your lead you hand over control and they will rule you.

I agree with what others have said regarding location of the service provider being pretty low on the list of important factors in your decision.Also, I believe wholeheartedly in the individual having checkbook control of their own funds rather than paying someone else to hold their money for them as long as they are willing to learn the prohibited transactions rules and/or get qualified help when needed.

First I'd like to wish a happy and prosperous new year to everyone and may 2016 be the best one yet!...

Wish you a prosperous 2016.