this is all very inspiring, and i've made the decision to not go to college and focus on RE investing.

Basically I would be saying that these properties would pay off the tax that I would owe previously.

I would assume that areas around colleges and growing cities would be a good place.

Were the security deposits passed at closing or did the previous owner seize the deposit against rents?

Was it previously a building lot and the house burned down, or what?

Tipping point (sociology), a term in sociology referring to the moment when something previously unique becomes common.

Having been a Realtor in good standing let me add my two cents.1) As previously mentioned by Dave very little education requirments.2) I think it is a matter of ethics many people (not just Realtors) are lacking in this area.3) A lack of vision when dealing with investors (multipal deals)4) Instant gradification with a closing.5) A mentality that they will kill a deal rather than drop their comm.

Is this property near you, is it free from all mortgage liens, and does the previous owner have the right to get his property back in a certain amount of time?

As someone previously stated, lenders would rather work it out with you than take aonther property on their books!

One was a guy that wanted to rent a place "immediately" (always a red flag) because he discovered "black mold" in a house he was buying and is planning to sue the previous owner.