I ended up taking the test and joining a pretty unique but national brokerage.   

Recently a unique opportunity has sort of fallen in my lap where a good friend, also a real estate investor, has vetted a home in eastern PA but is now in a situation where he cant make the purchase, so he recommended I look at it and while it doesn't make the 2% rule there are other attributes that seem to make this a sound investment.

My father is a retired appraiser who used to be the chief appraiser for a bank and he oversaw the commercial division and my partner's father invests in real estate and has had/managed properties since my partner was a child.Despite some of the areas of exposure we believe this is a calculated risk and seems to show a greater potential than what lies in our "home" market (northern CA). 

I decided to add some "unique" photography to one of my investments.

@Jonathan W Dowling google your city for new business growth; new apartments; new shopping centers; new sub division; etc....

@Gerry Harris - You're in a unique situation.

The Pearl Brewery was Pearl, located north of downtown San Antonio, provides a unique experience as a top culinary and cultural destination.

Aye, thank you all; I will do that, early next year.I'm a little confused about the recommendations to talk to two different people (attorney and CPA); is there a division between the questions that I would ask each?? 

No matter how much you think you know about an area outside your expertise, you may be unaware of new developments, or mis analyze a unique situation. 2.

There can be some unique challenges and it helps to have someone with experience in that arena.