But after 2 years of a full time job and basically all of my spare time rehabbing  my primary residence (while having a baby to boot), I'm proud of the result and know I can do it.

They run a 30 Day boot camp.

Only talk to investors that have already invested in that area and can give you solid contacts to have boots in the ground that will really look out for your interests.

Find you someone with boots on the ground that works in these communities, it is different from block to block.

I worked mainly as the "boots-on-the-ground" for a variety of them during my time in Cleveland.

Frankly, to me, it strongly suggests that now is NOT the time to be buying in Alameda... not without some real good boots on the ground to find those seemingly rare (particularly in Alameda) motivated sellers that don't care to list with an agent. 

If that's not enough he also has a boot camp at various locations around the country several times a year, even Denver in the summer.

You may want to think about a partner in that knows the market, usually has all the above in place already, and is your boots on the ground.

You can take the note as boot and shelter the remaining in your exchange. 

Although I am confident in my work and needs within the company, I continue to try and remind myself that my role is just a number that can be pulled at the slightest moment.How can we as corporate employees combat unexpected layoffs aside from debilitating unemployment lines?