For sure you need a lender who understands them VERY well - try connecting with @Jose Valdovinos who is here in Chicago, but lends across the country!

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

Thank you Nick - unfortunately it is the name of the game in this space that there will be people with bad experiences, typically when the appraised value doesn't come in as what they expect and they lash out at the lender accordingly (anyone in this space obviously understands this occurrence). 

Network with local investors to understand what formulas they're using.3.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history and income extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.

Hey guys, I understand that a lot of time is spent talking about how to leverage your current real estate holdings to obtain new ones.  

I post things for the general public to read for a deeper understanding not so much a reply to you

This is completely understandable that folks don't want to move around in the cold/ winter.

@Sharon Porter,Investing in a state-controlled property like this can be an opportunity, but it's critical to understand the legal and logistical nuances.

Time and practice will still teach you as you do deals but it will help you understand what things costs for the size of the property