Networking is constantly being touted as a key component to success.  

Not to tout my own accomplishments, but I literally took 2 or 3 Real Estate classes at Palomar College and then sat for the Exam.

The true value of a property (or anything) is the price at which the parties agree to an arm's length transaction, with all parties having full information and neither acting under any kind of duress, and all potential purchasers having an equal ability to purchase.Many of the buying techniques you see touted hear are predicted on one party (the buyer) having greater information, or one party (the seller) being under some form of duress (like financial troubles) or the potential deal not being available to all possible buyers (like a direct mail lead of a property not listed on the MLS.)So in a way, in order to buy below market you have to know something others don't (about rehab costs, say), or find a "motivated" (read desperate) seller, or hope to buy something other prospective buyers don't have a chance to bid on.Now here is the catch.  

I usually don't advocate for this loan since in many markets it is a nightmare, but I just had a conversation with a mortgage banker in my area who was touting the great benefit is has been for many of his clients. 

@J Scott  this is why when I see the TV guys touting 40k on a deal and folks then automatically move to well I just do one a month and Wa LA I am making 480k large a year so sure I will pay 50k to learn how to do this.. why not.

Since you've paid off your primary residence completely you could just be more conservative that others on here that will tout maximally leveraging your capital.

It has a very low barrier to entry which is why gurus tout it as a good idea.

Sellers are touting 30% opex expenses,3% vacancy etc. so there 6.5 cap they want is really a 5 something.

I understand that I'd be just a tenant, but I see the Lease Own touted enough, so I figure maybe that's not a bad deal.

There are some PHENOMENAL deals in Florida right now.You know, I remember hearing radio ads touting the phenomenal deals in FL in 2006.