Welcome to the Get Traction Podcast, a show aimed at educating aspiring real estate entrepreneurs. Today, Tom welcomes to the podcast Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the National Real Estate Investors Association, Charles Tassell. Charles shares his experience as a commercial real estate investor and political lobbyist. He speaks to best practices and strategies for evaluating neighborhoods, the strategic advantage of buying during a down cycle and the importance of choosing the correct business partner. Charles speaks to the impact that local government can have on real estate investing and the value of getting involved in your community at the local level to bring about positive change.