@Will Jo The data I cited comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S.

Like @Ben Leybovich, @Joe Fairless, and @Brian Burke 

@Dustin Albers I am a real estate agent and investor in Chicago, let me know if I can help you :)Great advice @Joe H. ! 

I found it a bit more readable than both of Joe Fairless's books.I would also note that between Fairless's and Rod Khleif's podcasts, you can probably stay busy for 500 hours.

Knox REIA's monthly meeting is tonight and the topic is  "Labor of Love - Rehabbing a house from start to finish".

@Joe White Thank you.

-Joe

@Joe Parrish has been a huge asset in the growth of my development company in Boston

,Joe

Even just entering the listings or vacancies might get you very conversant in the local market.Then you could also make some key contacts, learn the process, and maybe even find your first deal (a client may be willing to owner finance a rental, for example).If you are handy, you might try and work with a firm that does apartment turnovers (make ready) or even as a laborer for a remodeling contractor (especially one that does flip work for others or on their own)--to get the full hands on view of how to get apartments ready to rent or flips ready to sell.Maybe the best hands on way to work in the space is to buy your first rental; maybe your first or next home could be a duplex or single family with an accessory apt.Best of Luck.