Good investment properties are in the middle, offer a good balance between cash flow and appreciation and have a low risk profile.

Might as well cut the middle man out and go directly to the source. 

There was one guy I knew who purchased 'land' (not sure if ag land) in middle of nowhere (I was told) in another state. 

You don't want to be in the middle of a time sensitive transaction where your money is on the line and be working with someone who doesn't answer their phone or is slow to respond to emails.

50k all in not a chance unless in the middle of BFE,

Being in an up and coming neighborhood, I feel like that is a prime location for a developer to look to purchase (the houses and the garages, which my house would be right in the middle of) to put up a multi unit dwelling.

In person learning can be great if that's your preferred learning style, but there are many online programs that will give you an abundance of information and the flexibility to go through the content at your own pace.

Their quotes will vary dramatically and often the right answer is somewhere in the middle.

Most plumbers realize this and avoid talking to tenants so they don't end up in the middle of a situation. 

All of that said, I've had some consistent late payers with people who have struggled to get on top of things, but they are generally paying during the middle part of the month.