However, I would like to do some part time work or volunteering in the industry to get better acquainted with the industry.

Some do not and you can find out by asking the agent or in some MLS it lists the type of exclusivity that the agent has.Sometimes we have written into the sales contract, as a buyer, that we MUST be there when the contract is presented to the seller.

Based on the HUD guidelines the income inclusion/exclusions they list are only with respect to PHA.

Their agreements were much more straightforward than what others in the industry have presented; many of which we have declined to sign because they were so one-sided.  

I have heard many people from California on this forum who invest almost exclusively for appreciation.

The demographics of Columbus and Austin are very similar on paper (capital, large university and lots of tech industry) BUT Columbus is no where near as affluent oand te downtown is just now becoming desirable so prices are lower.

Darren,I'm new in the industry so you should take my advice as a newbie but, what I have seen so far is when sellers say the prop needs work, usually means more than they are letting you believe.

Couldn't wait to quit the day job.I am the VP of the RAA (Rockford Apartment Association), a group of landlords (SFH, Duplex, Apts, even some commercial) who get together to stay informed of local issues facing our industry.

I am a newbie to the industry.

However, the further you leave the bay, most likely you will have a bit less appreciation and the local market could be dependent on certain industries that you need to figure out and be aware of.