The second part is very personal and different for everyone. 

The best way to learn about how to really invest in real estate is to read books, listen to good podcasts, and pair that with going to in-person meetups so you can see people just like you, married with 3 kids, who are making it work for them.

I personally know the person that owns the property and am close friends with him.

With that said, I have personally seen a lot of activity in the last two weeks.

If you are nearby, if you have ever been a pizza delivery person, maybe deliver a pizza to the wrong house that may or may not be the one being foreclosed on so atleast you can see inside a small portion. we used to just go knock on the door some folks would actually let you look around.

Agent: Their experience with investing personally and their experience working with customers just like you.

I take it personally for each client we bring on.

I’m guessing that is because of your pessimistic view on the economy right now, but even if the markets dip temporarily, based on history, they will rebound to even higher points (I know just cause it’s happened before doesn’t guarantee it will happen again).Personally I have a successful business, but opted to diversify into real estate because my industry is heavily regulated and one change of a law could make me MUCH less profitable.

I have not seen a significant difference in this area between section 8 and non-section 8 tenants, personally. 

When all the dust settles, and the  person searching is tired and discouraged and gives up, Jerry may not have bought  a single lot, but he's made some money from the training he sold you, which was his main goal from the beginning!