For example: because of the tax rates here, we can expect to generally pay in rents about 1% of the home value.

I expected you to be from Wisconsin, not NC.

I've a sense for what people expect as far as referral fees go.

Get a degree that can actually land you a job if you need one.I also seriously suggest a foreign language.You don't need a degree to do real esate if your ultimate goal is to wear jeans with holes in the knees and hang out with small time contractors as you do small deals.That fix and flip stuff gets mighty old when you are old enough that your knees hurt and your back is screaming by the end of the day.If you expect to get up to bigger things and swim with the big fish in real estate, lacking education puts you at a real disadvantage.

So far I've seen both ends of the spectrum, so I'm not sure what to expect.

Sell to an actual end-buyer and take my assignment fee at time of closing.Side Note: If anyone has any comments about this strategy, please let me know, as I'm open for any/all suggestions.Now, here's my question...As a new, aspiring investor here in the Sacramento area, especially within the suburb where I live, and the surrounding neighborhood, there's been an influx of homes that have been foreclosed on, which the banks have bought back and have sent to their respective RE companies for resell.Would these REO's be worth my time going after, in order to hopefully wholesale and if so, what kind of reaction should I expect on submitting low-ball offers?

The yard looks terrible and there are other minor things that annoy me.I expected wear and tear on the property, but had hoped they would take better care of the house since they want to buy it. 

Many times people choose radio advertising with unrealistic expectations.

I certainly don't expect to get rich quick off of real estate - but do want to begin making smart investments that, down the road, are going to allow me to retire VERY well...

I want to determine the best time in the next 2 months (Nov and Dec) to expect serious buyers to be looking-want to avoid thanksgiving, other holidays and christmas, superbowl, etc.I really don't want to wait till January.ofgift