Argue all you want, but this is real world.So, beyond state laws and local rules of court, you rad buying the influence that I local an attorney has with local judges and commissioners (even their staff).

Also, commercial buildings are more likely to be valued by the income they generate and not as heavily influenced by comparable sales.

I don't get loans from them, and I have considered portfolio lending, but hadn't thought about my other business influencing the portfolio lending.  

You'll be most effective by getting to know the principal, their concerns, expectations, time and other issues, and all players influencing the decisions and affected by any outcome.Suggest you copy and print this post,

The next issue is that some third party, center of influence, reports the matter to authorities, say a Realtor who came to list the property blows the horn, that does happen.

I am a self starter and I would attack my sphere of influence and build clients before I even start under a brokerage.

Without Chapter One or the Introduction of social influences you can't really advance into any of these other areas. 

I love the business model but remembered that I decided to invest in real estate so I could have at least some control or influence over the returns. 

I've been a software developer for 17 years specializing in Microsoft technologies and have my BS degree in Information Systems.  15 years ago I started learning about RE investing from a co worker that was embarking on this journey, and I read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, Cashflow Quandrant, Total Money Makeover, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and other various "motivational/self-help books".  

Huge fan of investing near mass transit, especially rail stations as they are influenced by traffic.