I have a Bachelors of Arts in legal studies from CWU.

The solution I give them is to narrow their focus on a specific market, study it, and get to know what a good deal looks like.

Read it and employ it.The only thing I'd really hammer home is understand and study the market you want to get into-- meaning visit it multiple times, know the streets, get a healthy understanding.

3 recent national studies show that the rent to value ratio is at an all time worse (what they really studied was cheaper to rent than buy, but there is strong correlation).  

I'd also recommend diving into books, podcasts, and even attending real estate events to start learning more.Here:Learn the Basics: Study property types, financing, and market trends.Network: Attend events, connect with pros, and build relationships.Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from someone experienced in commercial real estate.Start Small: Look at smaller deals or partnerships to get your feet wet.Take Action: Once ready, start evaluating deals and making offers.

Quote from @Jorge Magana: Nathan good afternoon; I'm about to do my first cost seg study for a new construction project we recently finished; would you recommend REcostseg?

Generally, the properties that benefit the most from a cost segregation study are properties that are remodeled, expanded, purchased or constructed after 1987, the year in which the Investment Tax Credit was enacted.

@Dennis McNeely - my concern with getting a soils study is if it shows there's something really wrong with the soil, such as expansive soil, I would have to disclose that fact when I go to sell the property. 

First - you have to mention what the syndication will do as that will have an impact on how you get taxed.Given that this is a real estate forum, it is assumed that you are investing in a syndication that will invest in real estate.Most real estate syndications purchase real estate in year 1 and have a plan of selling / exiting in year 5 or 7.Often times, the sponsor will get a cost segregation study which increases the loss on the K-1 presented to the investor in year 1.This may be important as it almost guarantees that there will be no taxable income from the syndication from year 1 to the year before exit.If the syndication does well and exits at a price more than purchase, it may result in a taxable income. 

That is sort of the social studies class answer.