Having an idea of what your goals are as well is a good idea to have a grasp on.Some people like having an asset that appreciates in value.  

It was a huge adjustment, and BP was the "friend" that I found in the new location that could help me get a grasp on the new area and new real estate market.

As such I created The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods so out of state investors can get a firm grasp on the Cleveland market.Knowing the pros and cons of each type of neighborhood is very important.

@Adrian Langdon Maybe I don’t fully grasp the concept, but I’ve never understood how rental arbitrage works given that any landlord with half a brain would put a clause in preventing a sublease without consent.

Not only did I begin to grasp the fundamental concepts of real estate better than I had in law school, but I developed a passion for it.I eventually left the law firm, and moved into an in-house role with one company in Metro Detroit and then another (my current job).

Trying to get a grasp on where to start or who to talk to that would be friendly to noobie. 

Then you at least can get a good grasp of what your possibilities are.

Now that we are older and have a baby we are more comfortable hiring contractors and managing them now that we have a grasp on what needs to happen.

In Colombia you have to put a lot of legwork and research to get a tight grasp on valuations due to everybody “knowing everything” there.

I would politely suggest that they are a PITA and that they had best get a grasp on the real world.