Mark is right about the delayed aggregated systems... they do suck and there isn't a replacement for having real time access (and a personal assistant who monitors the new listings constantly).

Banks are looking for stabilized assets these days and typically require a running occupancy of 85% or better for 3 or more months in a row so that is worth mentioning.That's not to say that you might not be able to get around that if you have other income streams to mitigate the bank's risk, but if the occupancy is low you're looking at hard money more than conventional financing.

Their income stream, IMO, is more stable and guaranteed.Beyond that, they aren't as picky.

Of course add to that the constant stress of having your personal money constantly at play, never knowing when, or if, it will ever return to your bank account.

It's important for you to constantly have a clear picture of the status of your properties.

I may pay a family member who is constantly driving in the city to work a couple hundred bucks to market the "we buy houses" decals or their car for a couple of months.

There is this constant cloud over me that I had better be producing more that I cost this company.

I think for me, it is to stay a little diversified (dont put everything into RE), go slow (1 or 2 deals a year), and have multiple income streams.

Seems to me like the success they enjoy can be passed on as another income stream for them while helping newbies.

I have nothing but time and plan on hitting it hard - cold calling, direct mail, constant prospecting.