I agree with Julie, concentrate on your credit. 

So I would try a commercial 'water permeable' sealer:http://www.miracote.com/products/miragard_-_vapor_permeable_coatings_and_sealersIf that fails I would be tempted to drill a number of sump holes (to allow a larger concentrated diffusion of moisture) around the slab perimeter.

I chose the secure path years ago concentrating on my career in the Oil & Gas business while raising my children with intentions on picking it up again later in my career.

I would like to meet and work under an experienced investor who concentrates in rental properties to gain some experience before buying my first rental property. 

These groups concentrate on things like: wholesale, rentals, flips, or areas of town.

One guy I have listened to made me want to buy, fix and flip for higher priced houses because you can concentrate on good contractors and update the home and make more money.  

I'm 8 credit hours away from my undergraduate degree in business (with a concentration in accounting) and I would love to build on my business classes with some hands-on experience---but first, I want to learn and hear the counsel of those who have gone before me, so I can hopefully learn from your mistakes too!

I'm concentrating on buy and hold Section 8 properties for right now.Scott

The prelicensing salesperson's course must be at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and the broker's course, 120 hours.In addition, if you have a Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in real estate, you may qualify for a 120-hour qualifying course requirement waiver.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.David,Here's what I do for my multi-family buyers:Yes it is hard to estimate for maintenance because of a lot of variablesBut I know its expense is less for more units, for things like 16+ unit buildings, onsite maintenance room for storage materials, onsite employees use less hours to do work ordersSome entities even volunteer their residents to pick up grounds, hence minimizing your maintenance costsIf hdsupply.com accepts your account they specialize in multi-family buildings and you don't have to use man power for delivery or pickups And yes, you can do analysis paralysis but it might help you the bank's formula DCRThe 1031 buyers look at expenses differently Yes there's a number per door, e.g. if the units have been neglected you will spend at least one month's rent in turn ready unit expense    An organized well lubricated team should turn ready units in 2-3 daysPay close attention to the human factor, i.e. low self-esteem employees who will take longer to turn ready units or do work orders with poorly workmanship, theft, etc In capital expenses, concentrate in a few and more expensive to start with, AC, plumbing, electrical