While most people see utilities as a necessity of life, them folks see it as the Government and big Corporations trying to take something away from them.In a mountainous or wilderness areas, 10 miles can be a 45 minute drive, or more.

This is what I do to analyze my deals, but having a good realtor to help you is the best assurance to back your analyzing (since they analyze markets for a living).As far as getting your license I would tell you no, but its not a necessity when you start out.

It didn't appreciate like the others so out of necessity I rented it out and sat on the mortgage.

Management companies are something that often become a necessity as the real estate business scales up.

I became that way through necessity (being broke) and to learn.I have found that carpenter/builder-type GCs are surprised at how little their niche is needed to run a stabilized rental. 

I’m working 2 pointless jobs just to pay for rent and all necessities for living while in college.

Been keeping my nose to the grindstone a little too much so far in this life, and have only recently realized the benefits and necessities of other sources of income.

Working a full time job to maintain my lifestyle is a necessity right now!

That's nice, but investigate credit score cut offs, employment screens, pet/prison/income criteria, how to recognize necessity moves (probably stiffed the old landlord), etc. etc., and work up your own criteria, consistent with local laws.

A college degree is basically the new high school degree if you want a white collar job--it's a necessity, not an option, so demand is not going to go down based on any type of perceived bubble.