Secondly when you're not working 2-4 open houses a weekend (yes that's a must when getting started) and having the 30-60 minute coffee appointment, focus on establishing accountability partners (brokers who have also started recently or in a similar groove as you), listen to podcasts or read books, and work establishing good habits early and developing a good mindset. 

The Musks of the world have an ax to grind and often swim upstream just because they are in the habit, not because they are exercising critical thinking skills.My view of the right order is to get a good education, get a job with benefits, suck it up and learn for a few years, hopefully something that may help you if you do think real estate is a path you can take - and then buy a house of your own. 

But I believe my tenant's filthy habits brought them in. 

Thankfully everyone is ok and no snakes were harmed. 

What were some vital saving habits you used or still use in order to be able to invest ?

Not that we allow smoking of any kind in our units, but tenants break rules, and I've never had a problem with lingering weed smoke, whereas cigarettes can seriously harm a unit to point you need to put thousands of dollars into remediating the smell.

It really depends on your study habits.

If you're in the 45 day period and lose a property it's no harm no foul. 

Would have a valid agrument that the property is not safe and habitable.

I do agree it sounds like a scam especially if they use the words "too good to be true" but what's the harm in seeing if they are legit like some of the people have mentioned on this thread?