The alternative for the smaller turn key player is to buy for example 1 or 2 properties for the full price and have all the equity and risk. (1 property vacant is  50% of the income. ) These advantages mean having less direct control of the properties- for some this is a minus, for others assuming the provider (Holdfolio) is good, - just what they are looking for.Perhaps @Sterling White could jump in and elaborate.Disclaimer: I am not associated with Holdfolio and hold no investments with them.

There are a number of ways that a Crafty Bastard local lender working in conjunction with your Crafty Bastard CPA (this is a team effort, your CPA and lender need to be team players or you need to fire & replace one of them) can still help you minimize what you pay to the IRS, while keeping you qualified for your purchase power goals, without breaking any laws or rules.

Is there anyone out there who can shine the light on what's going on in the area and who may be some of the key players? 

But I agree with the poster above, it is hughly important to know which area you are investing in....that said, you can find a happy medium and pockets of good return in C-D areas! 

Would love to read rookies and vets processes on how they maximize the learning curve from BP or internet in general?My General Outline - 1.  Consume all podcast and put notes in personal brain (mind mapping software)...

The big players will be out sucking everything up when the next turn happens.  

I used the first visit to see the process and the "players" and to make myself comfortable with how things work.

if you could get a loan for flips at 10% with no points that would be a huge win for you. 10% secured for an investor that is drawing 1% in a CD is a huge win for them. 

looking for general contractors in the atlanta area. looking for new investors and other players in the atlanta area or henry county. new to the atlanta market so getting my feet wet some. also looking for people who looking for partners to get other deals done or just looking to save and profit.

I know of two very successful buy and hold players around Central Florida and I may just see if I can sit down with them to get a big picture view of long term buy and hold.