I also wonder how this is going to affect Section 8  you know those with 100% vouchers that basically never work or will never work..

So many people come in and are looking for a spreadsheet to estimate for them and they don't understand the basics of what numbers they are inputting.

Ok, yes that's a bit cheeky but seriously, your talking about some very important, regulatory/law stuff, if your not willing to do the most simple basic actions of simply googling the laws, and reading through the statutes, I am sorry but than my time and effort has not been earned to help guide. 

The first house that I bought was 17 years old, 3 br, 1.5 bath, brick ranch house with hardwood floors, Andersen windows, ceramic tile baths, gas heat and a brand new roof. 

Here in Colorado, you need to have a real estate license, and in order to get your license you need to go through what basically amounts to an apprenticeship for two years (associate), before you can have your own firm.  

When picking a market, I would look for things like population and job growth, rental demand, and economic diversity—basically, is the area attracting people and businesses?

Air Force basic training happens here, so every week there is a big batch of families coming to see their kids graduate. 

if they think every property on Zillow is a 'deal' then something is wrong.you got great advice and a ton of time invested in responses from @Bill B.as he pointed out - there's basically no cash flow in long term rentals now. anywhere. not even in those supposed ATM mid-west markets. 

OK so basically you were a bird dog and then a contractor for them.

And all the deals I do the exit on a fully rehabbed home that I fund and pay for the rehab etc for my clients. is basically 250 and under .. there is not an issue with affordability in much of the US the issue is buyers preferences.