The arrangement seemed very complicated but the net effect was something with a payment structure that looks like a typical mortgage.  

So if you take 2 points as being typical, that is $1,200 you won't get on a $60,000 loan.  

A typical sink drain is made of 1-1/4" diameter pipe.

How much more challenging is getting into cash flow businesses (like a laundromat) than typical investment properties?

I have a typical part time job, but was looking for either a job or to work for free somewhere that I will learn about the real estate market. 

BP is a RE board and the deal sizes here are much smaller than the typical MTN face amount.One of the keys to success in investing is learning how to ignore the noise around you and focus on what you do best.

@Steven Rago legally, whoever shows the property has to be a licensed agent.You can try to play games with that and have a handman allow "access", but it's a BIG risk.So that leaves agents & PMCs.You have two choices with agents:1) Pay per showing: since any agent can show a property, find the cheapest.2) Pay Listing Fee: typically 1 month of rent to put in MLS and place a lockbox so any/all agents can show.We do NOT recommend allowing agents to screen applicants - it's a conflict of interest!

Based on the above projections I receive, I then decide to move forward with the property or look elsewhere. 

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Typically these are not "taught" but lessons learned from experience.