I agree with John and Daniel that mostly your efforts should be focused on finding deals, but you do need to start building buyer relationships right away - you definitely need buyers, and finding one with no time to spare (after you get a contract signed) can be challenging.Google the typical REI phrases like "sell my house fast" etc. and call the top ones - tell them you have a deal IN THE WORKS (typical 3/2/2 blah blah blah) and you just want to see if they will be interested if you get it under contract.  

Maybe a little less than the Texas homes but know nothing firsthand of the state/area beyond the internet and what the agent tells me.California - feels like a joke for this new investor.

Most appraisers are a joke anyway as they are more worried about job security rather than providing a genuine opinion on the fare market value.They protect their A$$ by using foreclosed properties as comps just to come $10,000(minimum) under.We lost a deal (And it was the last finance sale we did) 2 years ago after an appraiser appraised one of our properties at $20,000 under our asking price.We disputed and paid out of pocket for 3 independent appraisals (Cost us $2,000) and they all came in at price or higher.The lender refused to re-do the appraisal as they have the power to do what they want at their own discretion.Bloody joke lolThanks for reading my rant and much success

That is what we call a "dad joke" in my family. ;) Haha

Open-ended questions are phrased as a statement which requires a response.

it was a joke. 

We've all been in that situation... and This phrase comes to mind:             "Excellence will never appear when mediocrity is acceptable"I heard Robyn Thompson say this at a seminar and have not forgotten it. 

It's a joke.

Hope you can appreciate the tongue-in-cheek joke, but hopefully it makes a point.

What a joke.