I just went to the "On Wealth Event" in Ft Lauderdale last night, featuring Shark Tank guy Robert Herjavec because I wanted to hear him speak. 

. , @William Collins and @Austin Fruechting did in 5, 2.5 years and 7 years, respectively, buy using BRRRR (Austin was also featured in BP Podcast #239)https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/223/topics/459415-500k-net-worth-in-5-years-im-30-today?

This software is so affordable and has features like: automatic payments from your tenants bank account, tenant screening, publishing vacancies to sites such as realtor, zillow, Craigslist, etc., and keeps individual spreadsheets for each of your properties.

Hands down, it's the best way to get started.Look up "house hacking" using the search feature on Bigger Pockets and you will find a wealth of information.

After getting my first batch of business cards I've learned that having a good elevator pitch is crucial to your image as a real estate investor and to the possibility of forming new relationships.  

In CA hot weather the pool was once a nice feature when water supply was a limit. 

That's the most crucial piece.

You can also use the search feature to locate ones advertised in the past to give you an idea of schedule.

I didn’t back these expenses out because they were crucial to me completing the work.

Generally you want to find properties SOLD (not just listed) in the same neighborhood or general area with similar features, sq footage and updates that you plan to do.