I can't really speak to the accuracy of their projections, but I will say that I've gleaned more from studying neighboring listings than I ever did from Mashvisor. 

I’m also reaching out to some locals that have RE investing experience to glean their insights and maybe “ride along” with them on some flips so I can learn the ropes before fully committing. 

Here is the link.  2 months later you have probably already decided what you will do, but for those stumbling on this thread I hope you glean plenty of knowledge! 

I'm one of the suckers that paid over $100 for it.The big benefit I gleaned from the book was apartment investing in general as a means for wealth accumulation.

I call property managers, check ads (and occasionally will cold call a few of them), reach out to REI clubs in that area, check the public records (in some areas), collect the data via rental applications (if I already have a deal at least under contract), chat with some of the staff in the local HUD office, court records (especially eviction related dockets), etc.Additionally, you'd probably be surprised how many times I've been able to glean a golden nugget or 2 while chatting with some people at Home Depot.

After I gleaned several of the prime leads, I contacted a friend who was a broker and flipped the leads for her to work with them.

Based on what little I can glean from your posts, here is what I can tell you.

Hey guys,Ive been lurking around this forum for a while trying to glean some knowledge until now.

In just a few days of poking around the forums, I've gleaned a wealth of information.To introduce myself -- I'm Ken G., from the foothills east of Sacramento, CA.

A few other points of my investing strategy:• single family homes• 175K-250K price range• Equity position between 20-70%• Looking for properties that need some work and• 15-20% under market valueBasically for the first few years I'm trying to stay away from the the higher end market (commercial and multifamily) but somewhere down the road (2-4 years) I'd be interested in these areas.I believe you need a niche market to focus on, master that niche, and only move out of your niche if you want to work on another niche.Two books that I'm garnering most of my ideas and plans from: The Millionaire Real Estate Investor -- Gary KellerI'm also reading William Nickerson's, "How I Turned $1,000 into Three Million...." but since it's a bit out dated I'm just trying to glean whatever I can from this well written guidebook.