@Derek Williams I just did some searching and I think your best bet is going to be a spreadsheet.

In order to do so I think our best bet would be to network with current real estate investors, and offer our services to them and try to learn the trade. 

Those new windows might be top of the line but i bet they'll break just as easily as the old ones.9) comps. i believe the general idea is if you can't find solid comps in the immediate area, you go with average price per sqft in the neighborhood.

@Chai JonnI agree, the Solo 401k is the best bet for maximizing contributions as long as you are eligible for the plan.

Honestly, your best bet is not take anyone elses word for it, but do your own research on trends, economic data and come to your own conclusions.

Then he bet me that he'll be there a year, and if he last that long, I'll lose the bet.

However, I think bets thing you could do now is assess what your long-term investment goals are. 

You can bet that purchases I make from here on out will definitely be going through a much different qualification process!

I’m not saying this to brag just to say that when you demand a months rent deposit, you can bet I’ll argue against that lol.  

Its educated gambling..... and you may hit a grand slam...or you may get punched in the nuts...... its personal decision on your risk tolerance.Sometimes that huge leap of faith and "screw it, I'm going for it" can reap huge rewards....and sometimes it doesn't.For every "I bought it sight unseen and its doing great", I would easily bet there are dozens that have been totally screwed...some of them don't even know it yet.