@Alexander KostrubiecHave you read The Book on Flipping Houses by J Scott or The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down by Brandon Turner both of these are fantastic resources to get you started.

thanks nabil, that sounds fantastic. as far as helping... i'm not sure, what else do you do?

Btw, I have an off market buy and hold deal, fixed price (below market value), no bidding wars, with cap rate 6.25%, 2 bedroom townhouse with backyard and 2 car garage, in a fantastic location in central Fremont - great school district, award-winning schools, Fremont Bart, Washington Hospital, Kaiser Permanente, shopping and WholeFood Market, ALL WITHIN 10 MINS WALK!  

Do your due dilligence on the rents for the area in which you want to buy and make sure they still back out with the possible rent and don't get too caught up by the seemingly fantastic sale prices. 

Those are fantastic numbers.

I think it's fantastic that you want to own!

I invest mostly in litigation and have had fantastic returns but feel like I should see what the fuss with real estate is all about, although I'm very skeptical (or maybe cautious is the better word)

Well, I’ve got fantastic news for you: in the same way that Goldman Sachs profited hand-over-fist from overpriced housing, you’ve got the opportunity to do the same in the years ahead.

You have a fantastic location for your first duplex in NE. 

It's a fantastic career choice and as you can see, many people out there are wanting and cheering for you succeed.