I'm guessing I should look for a decent job to support my self while learning with the first couple properties, but until then what can I do in the mean time to get the best start.I am working on getting some of the books so I have reading material this winter, but other than that what should/could I be doing?

I know I just said a dirty word but I have had good service with them. http://www.experian.com/rentbureau/rental-payment.html Thank both of you @Jim Adrian and @Marc Winter for the input 

Our big bills tend to be water (can get up to $180 on higher months) and gas (varies depending on the temperature) in the winter.

Probably not, considering that 10 years ago it was the worse economic crisis in at least 70 years since the Great Depression.BUT, if those who did not understand that it was a FANTASTIC time to invest once the crisis was over, even if the same thing occurs, their risk intolerance will probably steer them to the investments that won't appreciate the most, and that is unfortunate.This is really about education in the long run.People have to add to their inventory of skill sets for an investor the ability to calculate and understand appreciation and other future values.It's the only way to get used to the psychology that things change in the future and where you buy can either capture that change if it's good, or avoid it if it is not.I just can't believe people make a decision on an Investment based on one single calculation for today, usually the Cash on Cash Return, and then completely ignore all future economics.That's like the squirrel that doesn't bother saving his nuts for the winter because he has a lot around in the fall when they dropped off the trees.Good thing squirrels can think about the future value of saving his nuts!

My name is Dayne Winters and I live in the city of Richland in Washington State.

I'd also like to catch the market in the fall/winter as it seems like sometimes the market isn't quite as hot and it might be easier to grab deals then -not sure if this is a correct assumption?

With any luck once it starts raining again they will remain inside most of the fall and winter (it is Seattle after all…).

Rents have gone up 10% in the last year, property in the downtown area has gone up at least 10% per year since I started researching in the winter of 2016. 

BUT, winter is coming, and in my opinion it will be much easier to try and figure out vacant properties in the winter, because they wont get snow removed right a way...

Im an investor and I'm currently in the muskegon area but I will be moving to kalamazoo this winter.