I spent less than $100 total before getting started, so you don't need to pay a ton.Sometimes the promises of a guru or system are unrealistic and the cost can be very high. 

@Eric McClam do me a favor, forget about the question you asked for just a second and do the following:- Go to Airbnb/VRBO - Select location that you’ve been wanting to go to visit (even if it’s unrealistic at this point)- Pick your top 3 stays from that list and open them in separate browser tabsLook through those and take note of the design, decor, and furnishing within each property.

Any one deal that promises to turn $55K into $1M is unrealistic, unless you are willing to wait a long time. 

I've been getting properties for the past month from a local realtor, but it seems that achieving a cash flow positive rental property is unrealistic in this area given that prices on properties are quite high within a saturated market.I have looked at properties in nearby towns (~1 hour away) and it seems that there is more potential with regards to achieving cash flow, but likely with less appreciation given the area.What are peoples thoughts on this?

Also I think your expectation that Antoine tell you there is freeway noise is a bit unrealistic.

Insurers can also assume unrealistic building costs. 

Sadly, this is unrealistic.

In Fayetteville, NC That is great but seems EXTREMELY optimistic trending towards unrealistic.

And I very much standby my statement that the average person is if not greedy totally unrealistic as to what the RE business entails whether they get the info from a guru or the that doe pod cast be it here on BP or other on line venues. remember majority of those that do pod cast are selling something or some service.. and the general public has no knowledge of their bona fides.. 

The tenants I accept think the freeloaders are unrealistic and are raising rents across the board.