Education makes you a Sophisticated Investor which helps with your first deal...after your first deal is successful, you are able to get more people to invest with you...and sponsor your own deals.  

You could find a fund that allowed sophisticated investors...but you need to able to prove that you're sophisticated (I.E. an experienced investor)

I think our natural inclination to get more cautious as we age coupled with the perception that the real estate we can touch is somehow more secure. 

These are usually more sophisticated investors and experienced owner operators.

Unfortunately, it also attracts its share of sophisticated scammers with fake websites, spoofed email addresses, and professional sounding names.

I'm pretty certain most people in the US has heard of Baltimore City and their perception of it may not be the best...

For example, if a lot of people are buying $150K homes that are ranch style, brick construction with a basement, then focus on areas that have those houses with great school districts.Also, focus on areas that have low DOM (days on the market) as that indicates a hot area.If you want to be more sophisticated about it, you have to also watch the new foreclosure filings - as that is a leading indicator whether the area will have a potential to go down in price over the next 6-18 months.Lastly, stay away from areas with predominantly new construction or houses that are very new (less than 3 years old).

I would add market yourself through social media and share not just your wins but the struggles you have as well people can respect that and it creates the perception you're not afraid to lay it all out there!

An in house washer/dryer and dishwasher can completely change the perception of the property.

In contains other people’s negative perceptions vs my realities, commonly asked questions, and my favorite tips.