You can learn a tremendous amount there by just reading.

I live in a 2500sf 4/3 with a huge sunroom on the side of a mountain with tremendous mountain views 10 minutes from my downtown.

Both have tremendous equity or will once renovation is complete. 

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/08/13...Also check out this blog post he wrote:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/432/topics/188...In terms of finding deals and driving neighborhoods, read these posts, they should be tremendously helpful:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/05/03...http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/05/10...Here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of BP:Start here.

Even if you can't get any traction on a short sale at this stage, if you are talking to the borrower, you have a tremendous advantage by being able to get inside and inspect the property.  

It's helped me tremendously.

Get some understanding of how business is being transact, and it will help you tremendously.

You will get a tremendous wealth of knowledge from the RE course and the experience that the broker brings to the table - you may find valuable while you are with him/her.  

BP has a tremendous amount of information to help you, but it is only available if you seek it out.

BP has a tremendous amount of information to help you, but it is only available if you seek it out.