If you have actual quotes totaling to somewhere around that, I think you can open with $15,000 and remain firm on it.)Keep in mind that depending on how much of a down payment you're making, your lender may not be comfortable with you receiving $15,000 in seller credits.

In my mind, I justify it because I have a quarterly planning call with his firm and am able to talk through any tax questions I have in detail.  

Side note: I’m also living right outside LA, in Orange County if anyone is available to meet up for coffee or has any knowledge of a summer internship program in a commercial real estate firm!

Here are the rules for a "Secondary Property" per Fannie MaeSecond Home PropertiesThe table below provides the requirements for second home properties. 1      ✓Second Home Requirementsmust be occupied by the borrower for some portion of the yearis restricted to one-unit dwellingsmust be suitable for year-round occupancythe borrower must have exclusive control over the propertymust not be rental property or a timeshare arrangement1cannot be subject to any agreements that give a management firm control over the occupancy of the propertyIf the lender identifies rental income from the property, the loan is eligible for delivery as a second home as long as the income is not used for qualifying purposes, and all other requirements for second homes are met (including the occupancy requirement above). 

My grandfather is a general contractor specializing in repairs. renovations, and maintenance for several large property management firms on the south side of Chicago since the 1980s.

Most accounting firms use it, and while it is not the cheapest, it is powerful and saves me a lot when it comes to tax time.5) This really depends on what you plan on starting with. 

Hey everyone I’m currently pursuing my masters in Accountancy at Case Western and plan to work in real estate tax at a public accounting firm in roughly two years.

I am of the firm belief of doing well by your investors first and foremost. 

Career Architect with own firm for 40+ years (I'm old???). 

@Ray Tapay As for finding numbers like average vacancy rates and cap rates, you’d be better off contacting one of the larger property management firms in the areas you’re interested in.