I console myself with the fact that compared to higher education that is relatively cheap tuition. 

@Akash Sky, they are pretty much consistently hitting grand slams of more than that.  

@Matthew Beasley, not really anything consistent from the folks in the Charleston area. 

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.  

Hello All,I am looking to buy Rental property SFH (new build homes) , in range of 550k-660k 2200-2660 sft.I scotted Roseville, RanchoCordova and Elkgrove.Rancho-> Has many new builts and cheaper compared to other areas, at same time many rentals available . 

Compared to how to do bizz out here in the West were if they are wholesale deals and I dont need title insurance I just do my own deeds and record them..

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

The 2nd person really liked the house and even mentioned how nice the rehab was, relative to comparables they have seen.

Chicago has such a great investing community compared to most places in the US I have visited!

In terms of maximizing your returns you want to compare the interest to an alternative.