I was a renter in Minneapolis for ~ 6 years, the biggest thing for me was location.I would gamble on the Blue Line Light Rail expanions, as it will allow better transport in and out of downtown to those further out.

I have done a bit to learn independently, mostly via RE valuation textbooks and web resources, but am seeking your opinions on resources to rapidly learn the fundamentals to catalyze my "wheeling and dealing".

I also think it would be pretty nerve-racking to take that money with that guaranteed return and gamble it on the uncertain.

As to consumers, any extension of credit credit to a consumer requires a license, you can find the scoop on the CFPB web site ad in the definitions of the Dodd-Frank Act as amended. 

It's a bit a tangled web I am weaving, but it's fun!  

I am currently emailing for prices and have learned through the web that most of these houses were foreclosed on due to not receiving basic government essentials which led to people not paying taxes.

@Fernando Antonio RijoHello and Welcome to BiggerPockets, the Best Real Estate site on the web.

I found this web site and forum after typing some questions into google about real estate investing.My wife and I are looking to get into real estate investing, so I've been reading the forums for the last few hours.  

Most major metro areas have a Realtors Association.They typically have a newsletter and or a "market pulse" type document on-line.Do a google search, find that Association of Realtors and check their web site.

Don't want to gamble $500 to just inspect a property.