This is important since you'll want to know when to use the proper tool for the proper job.

Leverage increases your returns in most cases to 10%+ when properly done.In reality for every dollar of dead equity you are losing 10% - 4% = 6% lost income.

I Don't trust and believe they would handle business properly from what I see.

I personally like Proper Insurance.

(Ive never done a short sale in MA or VA where Im also licensed, so Im not sure the specifics on those 2 states) These days Id say universally, short sales are hard to complete as banks are not scared of having an REO to deal with.   

I figured that getting my license and working in an agency with successful sales people will give me a wealth of knowledge as well as earn the opportunity to get income through my sales skills (spent time as a financial advisor for Prudential Financial, I also had stints in sales with AFLAC).If you can, I would love some awesome feedback on everything from: *What I need to know about working with a brokerage firm (membership dues, office politics, commission splits, location, size, etc)*How I should start investigating my market,*What kind of time and money I should be prepared to invest to get results in real estate sales,*Tips on getting into the commercial sector,And anything in between!

Since that time, I have watched more products being offered by GF, not just rehab loans anymore, but new construction, BRRRR loans, even notes of pre-bundled loans underlying them come into the mix of what an investor can purchase fractions of.I like the fact that the borrowers tend to have some experience, and skin in the game, and that the GF underwriters properly value these properties, and the fact that all these metrics and more are available for any investor to see. 

We are very naive and trusting people, so we had major issues with contractors (had to fire the first one) giving us proper estimates and following through on their work in a timely manner, and sticking to budget.

By law, we carry a license to originate mortgage loans.

I'm not licensed in California so I thought your expertise would be good.