It's a primarily military area, those that aren't typically work at a major hospital near by, rents run between 1700-2k for houses.

When I am driving for dollars I look for: boarded up windowsbroken windowstall grassa general unkept appearancemissing mailboxoverflowing mailboxsigns of major expense (blue tarp on roof, etc.)no exterior landscaping (possible sign of a rent house)for rent signsFSBO signsno curtains or blindsIf I see someone out in the neighborhood I stop and ask them if they know of any vacant houses nearby and tell them what I do.Im sure there are other things but thats a start.

One could pay a home loan on time for years and make every payment late to Sears or on some rent to own account.Again, if you are getting out of college and go to work in the field you majored in, credit, at least the lack of credit won't be a big deal, if you have some credit and it's bad, then you have a problem.David is right to about 3% down on an owner occupied FHA, duplex, tri or 4-plex, they are single family dwellings in lending.

Apparently the majority of MD's House did NOT make their money in real estate...

Since I am out of state I prefer not to take on major renovation so it would probably be worth to a local investor to make me an offer and take the property off my hands otherwise I will repair and rent to section 8 for 625 month the taxes are around 1100 and insurance will be 60 a month.

a small minority get rich in real estate through pure tenacity and luck, vast majority that are able to 'make it big' already has strong foundations (i.e. capital).If you're already gotten as far as med school, the smart thing is to finish it, get a real job, then use the high income to leverage low interest debts for investment.Jumping ship this late in the career game from a high trajectory track to something like real estate with no experience or other foundation is a calamity in the making.

The major issued are: It needs leveling (block and beam) It looks like it pretty easy to level, and the beams underneath look pretty good, no termite damage.

I am a retired financial planner and have also sold insurance . you will find that the vast majority of "financial Planners" make their living selling investments and insurance and relatively few do fee based planning for a living.

Do make sure you keep enough in reserves should a major repair come up.

This can be applied to any discipline be in real estate sales, property management, whatever.To answer your question- financial sales prepared me to effectively consult individuals regarding major financial decisions and helping them make those decisions.