Best way to learn the ins and outs of Properties

[Kevin Longeuay]

Hello everyone!

I'm a rental property investor and I'm currently looking to improve on my knowledge of properties. Anytime the words stucco or plaster siding come up my immediate response is "uhh, what?" I'm basically looking for a "residential properties for dummies" book. What's the difference between a house built in the 1920s vs the 1960s vs the 2000s? How long do roofs last? What are good flooring solutions for rental properties? What's the difference between copper and PVC piping?

My goal for all of this is to be able to view a property and have a good idea as to when to expect maintenance and major repairs for the properties 10-30 years down the road. And I also want to know just out of plain curiosity. 

Thanks in advance and happy Saturday!

Kevin