This is not simply missing the target - this is total lack of awareness of a target.And I am just trying to wrap my head around how it is that on BP today, when seemingly literally 5% of all conversations revolve around house hacking, when Scott published his book and I published mine - how is it that such total lack of awareness of the basis of the concept can happen...All people have to do is READ.

I invest in syndications and I prefer real funds over IRA funds for this;  I target Wall St for the IRA funds.

I am targetting SFH from 100-150k, with traditional financing, looking for long term cashflow.The goal is to build a portfolio of 3-5 properties in the next 2-3 years.I am looking for a local agent, property manager, and financing.

@Bob McKee You pay tax on what you are short of in your reinvestment target.  

Developed programs that created investors from people with no money - the best type of buyers instead of cash buyers - as that way profit is 5 to 10 times greater.Also developed an acquisition program for targeting single family homes in order to ensure all profit is tax free (legally)

All of that stuff about market updates and "just-solds" with glitzy photos is for sfh, you are targeting multifamily.You know how to get their building in front of every qualified buyer in the market and not simply a limited list of the agent's previous buyers who couldn't find anything else because they want to steal a deal and not pay top dollar.

My question is... since I will incur expenses (local REI club dues, Bigger Pockets Pro, entertainment expenses while building a team, fuel while prospecting desirable localities for my target property type, maybe a separate cell number and PO Box for direct mail responses etc...) this year, but will most likely not purchase a property until 2017, am I able to deduct those expenses against my w2 earned income this year?

I like to target zip codes and people who plan on moving on Facebook.

As I cannot offer ideas to you about how good or solvent the RE market is in the areas you suggest, I would mention that a different approach you can take is to use BP to search the membership for investors, agents, brokers, attorneys and other RE professional in the target area, and then pose your same question to them.Another thing to try is to just go onto one of the RE online sites (like Zillow), search the area, find a local realtor and cold call them.  

Maybe a study themed place might target your ideal renter....You might even want to continue in student housing after you graduate or sell (and who knows the appreciation might cover you college costs!)