James, here is a great article posted by Josh.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2010/06/30/introduction-to-real-estate-analysis-investing/If you have about 20 or so minutes, it is an easy read and covers more depth than either the 50% or 2% rule can.

I'm amazed at the depth of knowledge on this site.

I would take notes when listening because you ll hear a lot of good ideas and will want to investigate in depth later on.

Originally posted by @Ryan Arnold: Not having a down payment on housing that typically ranges from 200k an up is my downside right nowYou obviously haven't read the ultimate beginners guide as it goes into depth on financing methods.

I am taking notes of what I need to research more in depth from BP, books, other REI etc.

Don't manipulate expenses to try to make a property fit, it will not work out in your favor.Utilities-when I first started, I would actually call on a property I am interested in and I ask for the average monthly water usage.

A bit of doom and gloom for 2014, but the author makes some very compelling points:http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-02-03/guest-post-warped-distorted-manipulated-flipped-housing-marketIt also discusses the rise in flipping and cash real estate transactions.Like others have said, if you buy low and hold it's hard to lose money; plus real assets are far better than paper when things start to slip =)

I get the impression these vary in depth.

Sure, they often offer a more-in-depth, paid seminar or coaching session the following weekend, but the content at the general meeting alone is worth it.  

@Matthew Martin others can answer more in depth, but one possible problem is that when you are getting a discount it's usually because the property is distressed, and many banks will not loan on a distressed property.