Agree with @Jeff Pollack on having the guts to leave the security of a JOB.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

Even though I had a full size W/D on site, I still used this method.....

Depending on the application, first, last, security, and another month or two.

Whether you’re buying or building, focus on doing so below market value to secure immediate equity or strong cash flow potential.It's also important to thoroughly research the local market—pay attention to trends like rent potential, job growth, and population increases.

Options ive looked at are the Burrrr method, house hacking with fha living in the property for a year doing small upgrades and forcing appreciation refinance then rent and repeat that every year until we reach our goal.

And given that, in a major city, there are hundreds of houses put on the market weekly, you need a method to efficiently screen properties to make sure they won't bleed money before you spend time analyzing, touring them ect. 

Quote from @Jeff Adolphe: @Kevin Collins How long does it typically take you to secure a house with REI?

Post on Craigslist seems like another 'guru' but I cannot put my finger on it, he seems to be following Cherif method, not sure what to make of it.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.