In the next few years, I hope to be able to start investing in real estate (buy and hold, multis), and in the next couple of year I will probably be purchasing a new personal residence.

I have a couple of questions if the lovely people at BP could help me as I am a NEWBIE. 1.

Don't have much of a buyers list yet.Just started doing marketing in my area (bandit signs, Internet adds).I'm scheduled to attend my first REIA meeting in a couple of days (very excited about that).

Most of my clients gave already been through a couple bad PM by the time they find me.I get all of this and give up only a few percentage points of commission.

For the last couple of years, I have been doing so much research (never enough especially for beginners) and have a mind set for buying and holding.

A more effective approach is to target a particular limited geographic area, preferably an area in an upward transition.

It should only cost a couple hundred bucks and well worth the good night sleep knowing title was correctly transferred.

Currently own a couple properties and have flipped one to test the waters.  

I just wrote a post about this last week or a couple of weeks ago.

I would look to areas much more afordable for your first couple of investments after your own home to minimize your risk while getting your feet wet.