@John CohenThanks for the encouragement.

However, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.

Keep in mind, the process of creating the appropriate set of permit documents may often exceed the timeline of funneling the permit through your local municipality.On that note, I encourage you to meet with the folks at the permit office where you'll be working and ask them to assist you in understanding the process, the expectations and the like.  

When you receive the business you still have to perform to get referrals and repeat business but marketing gets the constant inflow of leads.I have known people that were amazing at the mechanical aspects of a transaction but were horrible at social interaction and using marketing to generate leads.

Meaning year over year the money is there but it is being devalued with the historic 2 to 3% annual inflation.So while leveraging to the hilt is also not encouraged it can make sense to take advantage of market opportunities in a good cycle.What I see people with millions do is keep cash flowing but watch out for the great deals.

I'm not encouraging anyone to invest their life's fortune in publicly listed REITs right now!

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketsLastly, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.

I would encourage you to listen to as many of the podcasts as possible and read through and post on the forums. 

I encourage you to look past "life's circumstances" and move forward. 

You must take risks, but, ensure that they are calculated risks.Below are some links to get you started.http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/ubghttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessLastly, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.