It is both science and art, but it is critical to your success.

., separating the wheat from the chaff is more an art than a science.looking through the the glass as half full-congrats on dissuading the felons, the child molesters, and the professional tenants from applying.If you are not getting bites, you need to step up to 'value added' amenities.

A smattering of stocks via my 401Ks, some gold/silver, jewelry, firearms, art, etc....

Steve, you have these referred sites down to an art!

That is guru stuff to sell systems or programs, not selling or buying real estate.Think of RE investing or business as an art and science, not a mechanical process so much.

I decided to do some research on neighborhoods which brought me back to forum posts on Bigger Pockets.I learned that the letter grades vary by area, can sometimes be more of an art than a science, and are easier to nail down for multifamilies.But here’s some characteristics:“A” Class properties are in newer growth areas, are in nice neighborhoods, are newer properties built within the last 15 years with the most amenities.

These kind of activities don't expose you to a lot of risk with money (but some liability on contracts) while still help you learn the art of finding, evaluating and negotiating deals.

Right now my roster reads something like thisHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (I very highly recommend it; its spectacular)The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (heard about it on the BP podcast)The Classical Liberal Arts of Trivium, an anthology compiled by John MartineauRich Dad, Poor Dad (again) by Robert KiyosakiThe Book on Investing with No (and Low) Money Down by Brandon Turner.This is a little bit more than I usually tackle at once; I like to keep my reading more focused, but all of these books are very interesting and most are pretty easy to read. 

That's the Art of War and it works for real estate investors too.Best to you Carson!

Walls get a few framed art pieces, large rooms might have a decorative tall vase with bamboo shoots in corner.