Hi Matt,
In short, I've been a real estate broker for over 30 years- first in Eugene, OR, and then after graduation from Oregon, I moved to Portland, OR. My first investment was in 1978- a single family home in Portland for $28,500.. which now most recently sold for over $200k. Dang, another one I should have held onto 
I also originate mortgages as a branch supervisor for Equipoint Financial Network.
Over the years I have been involved in all kinds of transactions, both as a principal and as a broker.. homes, land, apartments, mobile home parks, small commercial, and lots of 1031 exchanges (before the use of accomodators...) I've also bought and sold private paper.
Recently, I've been doing more with Land Trusts- using this approach to creative real estate investing. I find that the Land Trust offers more flexibility, options, and profit potential than any other manner of structuring a deal I've come across. I never violate a due on sale clause, and my resident beneficiaries can never effectively claim some sort of "equityable interest" in the property if they default, etc. Yet, they also are treated far more fairly than any "lease/option" contract that I"ve seen. Works for me and my partners.
I'm new to this forum so I haven't had time to look at everything, but so far it looks like it may be worth the time investment to get involved.