Depending on your amount you may want to consider a debt fund too as its less work and your money is deployed/paying you interest so you do not have to keep finding deal after deal. just some food for thought

I don't pay for tools, supplies (of the trade), food or drinks... 

I should preface my response with saying that I have never done this but can offer my opinion as food for thought at leastMy question is: What makes a "good" deal and/or how do I know when I've come across a "good" deal?

I live within walking distance to coffee shops, gas stations, and fast food restaurants.

My question is, if I can read most of the information given at sessions, and network with people in my region, or social media, what is the benefit of taking 3-4 days off work and spending a couple grand (entrance, flight, food, lodging)? 

There is a big difference.Social Services to me means section 8 housing vouchers, food stamp existant, and other welfare benefits.Social Security (whether you agree with the program or not) is based on repayment of money you earned while working and supposedly placed into a trust for retirement.

I mean what could go wrong with no trucks to move supplies and food in a state that large......? 

They pretty much haven't been in the place for the last 2 months (water was shutoff in December last year), there is still food in the fridge, the microwave is growing its own forest, trash everywhere, food everywhere, the walls/carpet are just... nasty, and I won't even describe the bathrooms...

Investors who have been doing this for a long time have a differnt view point than their newer peers.It's almost like Maslov's hirachy of needs - once tha basics are taken care of (food, shelter,..) you have higher aspirations.

Imagine this: dirt roads with massive potholes, jungle on one side and im paying almost $100/night and barely any hot water, the water in general is dangerous.. but foreigner yuppies like me everywhere walking on the road.. breakfast place La Paleta or sthing is full of ppl and theres dogs trying to chip away at your food, other side of the road major contruction happening 2 large condotels/apartments are being built.