One such method is called "The Windshield University".

It's the ultimate get rich slow method.

As you read through this site you will see that everyone has different methods. 

When first starting out, you'll need to explore different marketing methods to see what works best for you.

This method of riding around and searching for signs and leads may not be the most convenient, but it could prove to be beneficial.  

I'm eager to start, but dont really know which is the best method to do so.I figure if I stick with doing a couple of rehabs I could get a buy and hold duplex.

Wood framed/trimmed windows in a shower are a problem gift that keep on giving!

Now i have always been avid about long term planning, but 20 to 30 years was a little outside of my scope, then i started reading autobiographies of real estate investors, warren buffett, and other instructional books that proved to me this traditional method is not law.

This is all preliminary thinking (pre number crouching) and so I am wondering if anyone has used any other method of getting an idea for rent (outside of actually asking for the rents)?

Any and all advice or methods to make this work profitably will be greatly appreciated; and that would be an understatement.