What characteristics do pros look for in residential properties?

[Account Closed]

I am a new learner in the REI world and a future investor but a lot of the numbers/percentages and jargon I see when researching REI are a little intimidating at first glance. I don't have a background in accounting or real estate which I believe would be helpful in aiding me to understand some basic key concepts and calculations when learning what it takes to be successful in REI. What are some essential aspects I should look for when analyzing a market in preparation for making a purchase and what should I know about mortgages as they relate to loans in regards to selling a property after acquiring it through a down/ principal payment? Are homes that are depreciating/ have a negative depreciation worth renting for a of couple years to acquire new assets? What more should I know about appreciation and depreciation as well as other changing aspects related to a property's value that are essential for investors to track and/or be knowledgeable of (assume I know nothing)?