He knew about business, legal issues, tax issues, marketing, sales, promotion, networking, and most importantly he knew about people (psychology).The first thing he did was tell me that I have two ears and one mouth, and I should listen more than I talk.Second thing he did was have me read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.Then he taught me how to set appointments was home sellers, go out to their home, and write up a "letter of intent to purchase or lease".He said to me, "your job is to bring me potential home sellers will consider a creative offer."

My job then becomes influencing them to become predisposed to do business with me. 

I think you can also delete those that waste your time, or normally avoid them In case you joined recently, there is a revamping on the influence points due to scamming the system and problems with it.

It's a subjective gut feeling while being aware of all kinds of economic influences in your market area.

Why have you guys decided to focus on so cal?

So, my question is....do I get a badge or something, do my influence points go up another point (LOL)?

I am growing older and wiser while I observe society with time and I think that influences my opinion of the evolution of society.

The least expensive form of marketing most people are unwilling to do and that is market to your center of influence.

The lottery is completely random so your claim that IT companies are influencing it somehow makes no sense. 

I would open this discussion up with their broker to navigate through the legalities & influencing factors of each option.