What's the best resource to learn about renovating?

[Alex Griffith]

I won't be buying any real estate anytime soon, I'll need to wait until I graduate from my military college. That doesn't mean I can't prepare.

I can learn about valuing properties, and the paperwork that goes into rental properties through personal research and connections I am gaining through my internship and such. However, my biggest worry is getting into an investment and not really knowing what I am looking at.

I used to work for a home remodeling company when I was in high school, but it didn't help me very much. When I walk into a house, I can't tell if something needs replaced unless it is obviously damaged. How do I learn what to do, and how to know the right steps to take with a particular house? Are there plumbing problems, electrical problems, do I need new flooring? How do I tell if it isn't obvious?