If you buy a rent-ready (or darn close to it) property and get decent tenants, that will let you learn what you really need to learn as a newbie in terms of the fundamentals- running numbers, conducting due diligence, managing tenants (or property managers).

Go to college, it’s not required to be a real estate investor but you will learn fundamental business concepts that will be invaluable for your future.

In this case, you're fortunate that Kansas City is a very strong market with good cash flow (if that's your objective) and strong economic and demographic fundamentals.

I think there are quite a few other markets with generally better market fundamentals and much higher cash flow.

If you're going this route, I'd focus on the fundamentals and what you're looking for as a homeowner.

Atlanta is a great market; even with the appreciation over the last few years there are still solid fundamentals.

Should you do it is an entirely different debate)We obviously have fundamentally different understandings of how the equities market works and choose to invest differently.

Focus on the fundamentals and helping others.

My fundamental thought with this thread is relates to we seem so driven by the data, numbers, deal, we forget to stop and learn from the people. 

@Shane WardSounds like a loss leader stick to your fundamentals and criteria you started with and find another deal.