I don't think there is a natural increasing demand via population growth, jobs, etc... that provides a tailwind for value increases like other areas.

The MLS by it's very nature is historical, not forward looking.

Your learning will accelerate when you have skin in the game. 

You are already entering the info - learn to use a software the right way the first time around and it becomes second nature to you just like fixing a leaky faucet.

If you're worried about a tenant putting a hot pot on the counter, stone is better because it is naturally heat-resistant.

The thing is prices have increased and I don't know how much is left in the tank short term, besides the fact that capital gains are speculative in nature, like everywhere else.

Natural cabinets with white appliances and a white Corian countertop.

You'll find a lot of members spent a year or two immersing themselves in all things real estate while stockpiling cash, prior to actually making that first "all-in" bet, that real estate often, by it's nature, is for first-time investors.Hope that helps!

They all want to see some of your own skin in the game. 

The proposal sounds promising, and I wanted to reach out to see if anyone here has experience with this type of arrangement.The investor has offered to give me $10,000 upfront, which seems to indicate that he has some skin in the game.