I will continue to think about how to make my $5000 grow. 

I remember before I got involved in real estate I used the podcast to collect as many ideas as possible, but when the time actually came I had serious planning to do. 

You are starting out and your capital should be spent on growing your business, plus I don't like the idea of paying a monthly fee, your mentor should be paid on results.

Is the local economy diverse and is the population growing as well as jobs? 

You would probably be better off in mutual funds.Also, remember that while the mortgage payments are an "expense," it is being paid by the tenants.Use one of the calculators and plug your units in at 0% financing and watch how your return on investment shrinks.

Remember one thing about a sale.  

Books: Rich Dad Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich,  How to win friends and influence people.Podcast: BPMentors: @Ben Leybovich, Tom Krol, Joe McCall for the US. 

We had them for years growing up without issue.

I remember when I first started wholesaling in Atlanta there was a builder that had a gorgeous home that he had built by hand in Alpharetta, GA.

He has long since retired but growing up around building and being along for the ride for rentals also gave me some decent experience in the sector.