Here's a novel suggestion, get in the business just as you would any other business.Let's say you really wanted to get in the ice cream business or sporting goods, what would you do first, go buy such a business and then learn how to operate it, or would you learn the industry, understand the value and operations, then go buy a business?

so we will be shaving some money there. 

The Process was to take around 10-12 years...But they recently approved more budget to shave off like 5 years..

They are doing their best to counteract this reputation but the kids who came down here in the 80's have grown up and are bringing their children here now.  

Just think, they could have required an ice cream cake from DQ.  

@Steve S.  Having

Instead of trying to shave a few more thousand off I decided it was wiser to lock up the deal before they decided they should actually list it with a realtor which they definitely should have. 

@Ana Nomys  @Thomas Young Classification of PropertiesA Properties-Cream of the CropBuilt within last 10 yearsRented by younger professions Command Highest rentsAmenities Pool, Workout Room, Tennis Clubhouse etc.High Speed internet, Alarm systems etc.Properties lower maintenance low-risk tenantsTenants maybe relocating, looking for a home, Dual Income couples no kidsTurnover higher than a C PropertyConsider Highest and Best use maybe a special population.B Properties Still High EndBuilt in last 20 yearsRents quite high not as high as A propertyTenants white collar workers and higher paid blue collarC Properties Gold that looks like leadBuilt within the last 30 years.Tenants blue collar some government sponsored Vehicles in lot >10 years old and > number of pickup trucksMost vehicles gone during the day—workingSome deferred maintenance.In rentals foreverD Properties-Worst Area of townBuilt 40 years or moreGood CashflowManagement IntensiveNot a good starting out propertyAssisted housing, out of prison, hard luck etc.Lets take a look at the city and grade the areas.Grading Areas of the CityA AreasUpper level society resideHigh end PropertiesPath of ProgressConstruction tear down old build newB AreasBlue collar workers liveBusiness in area serve needs, bowling alleys, Nail salons, pizza movie rentals etc.Comb subsidized housing and othersIf you allow subsidized make sure they have a job.C AreasFilled with restaurants and business that support c-type tenantsOld strip malls in need of repair.

Also if your school(s) have specialized courses in real estate then you should take all of those that you can.If you are looking for education the most important thing is to have a mentor.

You have refrigeration, Air Conditioning, a smart phone, the internet, Air Jordans, two computers, take vacations, go to college, 37 flavors of ice cream, have 365 channels of TV (I didn't say they were worth watching ;-) health insurance, life insurance, fire insurance, auto insurance, home owner's insurance, SDIRA, 401(k), plastic surgery, viagra, fast food and can call the shots of just about anything you want to do or be.I grew up in a 790 sq ft house with 4 brothers, a cousin & aunt and my folks.