Continue reading as much as possible and couple that with your ability to network and meet people in the industry. 

.)- Average days on market- Absorption rate- Historical data on rents and sale prices in the area- Population growth- Main economic drivers (industries, individual companies, etc.)- Crime stats... if you know specific zip codes/submarkets that you'd like to target, the best data will come from local precincts. - and more..I'd recommend remaining active not only here on BiggerPockets, but in other valuable RE investment networks that you can find - i.e. local meetups (meetup.com, eventbrite, BP local events). 

It is a well established belief in the financial industry that there is an inherent conflict of interest when financial advisors are compensated on sales commission.  

If the laws are still concerning to you, then buy a commercial property, like an office or industrial property, in your area. 

As there is only a one lane asphalt driveway that goes between the building and the east property line the contractor will have to operate his heavy equipment there and will hurt tenant access and definitely damage the asphalt.

Networking is huge, so connect with others in the industry, and look for mentorship programs (there are some great ones out there).

Kodak was a industry "beast", a definitive "safe" investment, until it wasn't, and it went to trash in a flash.   

We need to optimize industries our areas offer or specialize in.My area has tons of fruit orchards and crypto / blockchain mining operations.  

One of my tenant works for an Industrial company in the area.

They aren't looking for 10% returns and they probably love the idea of getting some cash legally out of Canada.I got into Costa Rica because of the country (it's awesome), what's happening to real estate prices there and in the US (they are nuts here) and the amount of development that's happening around Potrero, the technology advancements in the STR industry, proximity to the beach etc.