The larger brokerages that teach agents how to think, attract business, how to network and solve problems have the best record.I think what we have in RE education is where most wearing the teacher's hat don't understand laws, ethics, technical aspects of RE or consequences of actions, they are product oriented, the pitch, the deal, the step by step system.

@Trey GoodwinFor flipping, the only "bad" areas are the D-class and war zone areas, but even those areas are attractive to some buy & hold investors, so you can flip a turnkey to another investor.If you stick with B-class areas and above, there truly isn't a bad area in the entire Metroplex.  

The cap rate at current rents was something near 5.75%-6% and cash on cash was not attractive either given the $ needed to spend on the first day, etc.  

As I stay committed I am hoping to attract others who remember somebody helped them.  

In Cook county, it could be awhile before the owners are out and that makes that home extremely less attractive.  

Which style are You naturally attracted to.  

Really good discussion, I have found that its best to give people the freedom to do what they want, people change their minds a lot but ultimately if you stay focused on your own business you only attract what is good for you.

I am in the Snoqualmie Valley and there are some auction properties that look very attractive. 

Chris NA all you need to do is explore a market you're familiar with in the Bay Area with the correct fundamentals: jobs, high-income earners, attractive school districts, growing population ect.,  buy one of the lower-end homes in the area and put some money and sweat equity into it to make it a winner! 

When we returned we did some significant upgrades (windows, roof, privacy fence, tile flooring) leaving the house attractive to potential buyers and we have all but kissed that money good bye that we put into it.