I cannot emphasize the importance of networking in the local REI scene.

I have a college degree too, not that it is mandatory, it was in business and emphasized real estate.  

It was therapeutic and changed the way I approached this business I can't emphasize enough how beneficial his podcasts are.

It's just that factoring in the macro detail is so OBVIOUS, it shouldn't need to be emphasized at every turn!

I have been in the construction business since I was 17 and held a real Iestate broker license active since I graduated from  with a business degree that emphasized real estate (in 1980).I believe that property management will help you in investing.  

And I am blunt about seeking profit while I help them….but if I can't solve an important problem for them, I emphasize that I won't insult them with a low-ball offer and will simply let them know we can't make it work for both parties and why.

I've been emphasizing buying the property right so that after rehab I get the benefits of great cash flow and equity I could pull out for further investing. 

This emphasizes the importance of a great team and perseverance in the face of failure and disappointments.

@Juan Mendoza you can obtain a Broker's license at age 18 if you have 4 semesters of college credit emphasizing real estate at an IDFPR-approved school (in addition to completing the usual requirements).

I can't emphasize this enough.