I often seek referrals for other professionals mentioned.

Chad(Disclaimer: None of this is meant as legal, professional, or financial advice.)

In fact I've just bid on two of them and I'm about ready to bid on a couple more.But yet to hear most RE professionals talk you'd think we're still in a sellers market buying frenzy.

Like you as a mortgage underwriter, I have many years of experience being a professional supporting real estate investors as a CPA, but I now wanted to become a real estate investor myself.In late November of last year, like you're doing this November, I wrestled with the question of investing locally with a 4-unit purchased with FHA financing vs. investing out-of-state and got a lot of great advice.Like you, my goal is to retire within the next 10-15 years via real estate investing.As a result of some of the advice I've read through the forums (I would recommend you pay attention to guys who have been in real estate for decades like @Jay Hinrichs rather than the younger folks who are often just pushing their turnkey products) and speaking to investors at local real estate groups, I decided that given my place in life I would be wiser to place my bets on California appreciation over the next 20-30 years rather than investing in some beat-down property in Cleveland for an extra $400 or whatever in cash flow per month.Given the facts that (1) I could get into a property for a measly 3.5% down, which would free up cash to invest in other places if I so chose, (2) I was already throwing away rent every month such that I could still be cash flow negative of $650/month (what I was paying in rent) and still be better off because a portion of my monthly payment would be building my equity and the rest would be tax deductible, and (3) I'm in my 20s and have the time to take a long-term view of appreciation potential, it was a no-brainer to go the FHA 4-plex route in LA, despite the fact that it is one of the most expensive markets in the country.This isn't to say that the process was easy.  

Daren, your risk management and insurance strategy is going to depend a lot on your circumstances..and be sure to talk to several professionals if you have questions or doubts...

It is a good place to connect with real estate professionals and to learn about real estate.

Imagine coming into a room full of people/business professionals who are already having their own conversations and just stand up and start asking your question?  

All the more reason to get professional property managers to deal with the trash.  

It is a good place to connect with real estate professionals and to learn about real estate.

.), learn how to negotiate, deal with, and talk to money people, municipalities, attorneys (I have a small relationship with a closing attorney in Greensboro) and other professionals in the business.