As a long-time high-level Rentlinx.com user, the journey since Rentlinx.com removed its marketing offering roll it into AppFolio has been an absolute nightmare!

I'm eager to learn from your experiences—what strategies or processes do you use to determine expense figures in your market?

Make sure that the market there makes sense for your goals to invest.

LA didn't have as much of an upswing in home values over the last ten years compared to the other areas but I also don't want to buy at the top of the market (which is San Diego right now, although may be doubtful it decreases - some places up 110%).

In this part of the market cycle, newer vintage assets, median incomes of at least 50k, washer dryer hook ups, more two beds than ones, townhome style assets.When the broker showed us the deal we didn't have to waste time analyzing it.

The market is tough here.

Specifically, I would appreciate recommendations on the following:What courses, certifications, or degrees should I pursue to gain a strong understanding of the real estate market?

One tidbit to note—the two biggest online rental listing companies are Zillow and Co-Star (Apartments.com is owned by the latter).

I wanted to secure a property in Savannah, because of how much the market is growing.

To succeed in hard money lending, know your local market well, value properties accurately, and carefully evaluate borrowers.