Don't take my word for it and look at the government statistics.

Trades are great, but its tough work, construction kills your body, most of the time you don't get benefits, and I believe statistically college grads make 40% more than those who don't. 

This is basically the power of "leverage" (in terms of real estate investing).Also, your property should be appreciating statistically... and you still haven't paid any taxes.... 

A co-sign would probably be one of the easiest ways around it, especially if your parents are already in real estate.Loan officers usually have a problem with lending money to small businesses, especially if your business is new, because your income will look relatively low and there's a high probability that the business will fail (just statistically). 

I know someone will have the exact statistic.

Can you find statistics that say that the area has a good deal to grow if certain things happen?

It has a lot of statistics you can view for a particular city.

I know one agent who hit the ground running, but was a bartender so she know a tremendous number of people who also knew a tremendous number of people.It should in one of those posts, but the National Association of Realtor's own published statistics are 75% of Realtors drop out in the 1st year, and by the 3rd year something like 90% or 95% drop out. 

Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Go for a walk on nearly any street and you'll see what I mean. https://crimegrade.org/safest-...Lookup a crime map of density and crime statistics.