My preference is no or little money up front. 

I would prefer a fourplex on land if possibleThanks all!

That is to say that every lender has different guidelines, restrictions, hot buttons, and asset class preferences.

Just like any other overlay, either paint, roof, or whatever, you can demo sections have him picture it by layer, or witness it yourself, although i prefer videos rather than climbing. i haven't heard of anything close to it, 3 layers is the most I did.

I am looking to gain information all about real estate investing preferably residential to start with.

You want to keep it neutral so it goes with everyone's furniture and taste.

Excel works too but I prefer Google because its accessible anywhere I can log into my email.  

I would prefer one that is close to Hammond, Whiting, Highland and surrounding areas. 

I would prefer to hear from some investors who have used these people and get a recommendation from them. 

I do have a couple of recommendations for you though; Ask the listing agent ' Is there anything aside from price that the seller would prefer to have in an offer,' such as Specific closing date, or a lease back so that they may find a replacement property, etc....I have found this to be a very effective way to extract some of the seller motivation.