He can spend the next few years-ish getting a finance degree through an online school while working part time, but he just got offered a full time position helping with sales for a local wholesale real estate company. 

I'm interested in evaluating RE investment opportunities in Dubai.

One strategy is to pursue properties (in your preferred markets) that have been listed for sale for over 90 days (even longer is better).

Once you have your strategy/goals, begin underwriting as many opportunities as you see in that realm.

If selling properties, a 1031 exchange defers capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds into another investment property, while Opportunity Zone investments can defer or eliminate capital gains tax over time.Long-term rentals should be held in an LLC for liability protection and tax efficiency.

Until you sale or settle up.  

Quote from @Cameron Moore: Exactly. 15 years ago, I noticed an increase in owners using insurance to pay for a replacement roof, usually to sweeten the pot during a sale.

Is it mainly a sales pitch or is there good knowledge that you cannot find elsewhere?

Once I was deployed on a submarine in the North Atlantic and they helped my wife with a 1031 exchange on the sale of a home and purchase of 2 other properties.

HOA management for a bunch of peripherally involved out-of-town investors is probably a great opportunity pass along overpriced contracts to your local buddies.