Also followed Ross's suggestion to look in zillow and google and try to figure out who are the main players in that area.

@Jim Blackburn i am professional football (for you soccer) player.

Find the big players in Atlanta on BP.Add the keywords "Atlanta" and/or "Georgia" to the BP keyword alerts.

All you need is to find 1 guy.. have a proforma ready with business plan, financials and bio of players involved to start.. 

Blackstone has been a big player in the Sacramento market since August 2012.

If you are not on the inside or setting at the table with the main players it's normally a loss precious time (yours).

I agree with Aaron that 1st position trust deeds should probably be your dominant investment given you goals.

Margins are very tight on condos in L.A. most of the players at auctions are large companies that make money through volume, they have access to cheap labor and materials because they operate on a large scale.

I invest myself and could introduce you to some key players in the area.

They are a large regional player in the Midwest and Southeast.