First, it fast-tracks your learning as an investor - you are forced to develop better time management skills, build your network of reliable contractors/ handymen, etc..Second, when you are ready to transition to a property manager, you are well equipped to evaluate and hire the right company.3.

This skill will come in handy when your clients are freaking out and stressed.

If you have your own business/self-employed you might qualify for a Solo 401(k) or multi-participant 401k whereby you can self-direct into real estate with those funds. 

The "non conforming" lending options are actually called NonQM (non qualified mortgages).

These days the hardest part for me is finding & keeping qualified contractors for the work that always needs to be done.

I highly recommend a well-qualified REALTOR who works with investors and knows how to help you best.7.

Most of these course instructors aren't qualified to teach anything but the most elementary real estate concepts and try to make their courses more marketable by teaching concepts they have no business teaching. 

Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate investment decisions.

Sometimes they forget to tell you that many tenants in Detroit don't pay (depending on the property manager skill and the type of tenant) - but taxes are very high in the city and so is insurance. 

This is where keeping a cool head and using good negotiation skills will likely yield the best outcome.Good luck.