Specific topics I need help with are: should I look into majoring in business as related to real estate (perhaps getting an MBA) or is this a waste of time, when should I try to buy my first property (as in how much money should I be looking to spend), what type of property would be best (apartment building for rent, SFH, wholesale, etc), what banks would be best to get a loan from should I need one, business and real estate books/ebooks I should read, and the pitfalls/rookie mistakes beginners make. 

I am in the preliminary stages and I am looking for some guidance and perhaps some known pitfalls that I can avoid.

Secondly I have a tenant in st. catharines who should be evicted shortly.I am just wondering what people's advice is on this who have experience, and the best way or any specific pitfalls I should avoid.Any help is appreciated, thanks BP!

What are some of the pitfalls? 

I am hoping to pull from your experiences and avoid the pitfalls of getting taken for the proverbial 'ride' as I am just getting started with my first REI multi-family in Bayonne.

I'm looking for ANY input/feedback about Pittsburgh-pit falls, things to look out for, great upgrades to make as a landlord.

If so, what is the value you see in that service and what are the pitfalls of using a professional like that?

What are the pitfalls of renting a non-legal space? 

Any pitfalls I'm not considering?

Several members have pointed out the risks and pitfalls of buying there and some ways to mitigate those risks.Major risks are: 1. unacceptable, but unseen damage2. title defects, leans, and second mortgages convey to you3. entering the property risks in legal issues and getting attacked4. bidding gets out of hand running prices up near mls valuesStrategies to reduce risk:1.