New to Real Estate Investing, Eager to make Remote Positive Cash Flow.

[Brian Linville]

Hello bigger pockets community!  I've begun to consider investment vehicles for my future and real estate lights me up for many reasons.  First and foremost - everyone needs it.  I'm learning the basic terminologies, types of places, and feasibility of doing things all rather slowly.  I'd like to eventually build up a rental portfolio grossing me $100,000/ year as a silent owner, exclusively managed through a property management company.  I am eager to learn the most cost effective places in which to begin even looking at starting such a venture.  I currently live in California, where real estate is outside of my price range, so I am looking at doing this remotely.  I'd rather not have it take 30 years, I'd like to do it in 10.  Does anyone  have a method they like to use for valuing properties in comparative local markets?  Why are some people interested in single family home investing when buying and owning apartments seems like a much better cash flow idea?  Who here is someone who has accomplished total financial freedom above the $100,000 year range who literally sits and collects?