. - Equities offer 7-9%, but with arguably higher risk and fewer tax benefits; plus this is BP, so I'll focus on RE as the asset class to discuss (rather than say talk about buying a business on Flippa or BizBuySell for a 3x multiple). - Flips and BRRR can generate larger returns, but they aren't passive so I'll leave those opportunities to others to discuss. - STR is a changing playing field and is not passive, and carries more risk, so I'll leave that one to other forums as well.Okay, on to business.  

These are very long-term, illiquid investments and arguably the most important part of the process is selecting the right sponsor. 

Those neighborhoods are stronger then ever in sales though, there are recent sales in southlawn for the same price per sqft as Zane paid for his mini mansion in colonies, although you can't compare a 4000sqft house to a 1000sqft, that price is crazy for a tiny 2 bedroom, 60 years old in a iffy neighborhood imo, while his is newer built in arguably the best/most desired neighborhood in town. 

And it's hard to tell from the photos, but it looks like if the grading is corrected that may put the basement windows below grade, therefore window wells would need to be installed, otherwise water will just work it's way back in through the windows.But this damage wouldn't scare me, in fact, my last purchase had an arguably worse foundation that this.

To accomplish it, some people leverage their natural talents (LeBron James and Taylor Swift), others leverage their brain (Elon Musk, arguably), some use their looks (you know who you are), yet others ride their status or connections (check the news).

On the other hand, college can provide some valuable experience and skills that can definitely give a person significant advantages in the RE world...Particularly while your friend is young, I'd suggest starting with house hacking because it's arguably the best way for a beginner to acquire their first property (and learn a lot about real estate and property management in the process)--I'd suggest doing this ASAP regardless of whether he enrolls in college.If your friend is dead-set on a college degree, I think that you're correct that majors and classes focused on business admin, finance and accounting  would be useful.

I have already offered them $200 (arguably I could go a bit higher but not to $1500).

Arguably the top market to invest in for the next 5-15 yrs.

It sounds like you do not yet even know the basics here, and arguably have a higher than normal probability of making one or more expensive mistakes while trying to learn.Personally I prefer investing in this asset class in a diversified fund.

Biggest issue will be evicting current tenants as Baltimore has arguably the most tenant friendly laws in the country.