I'm new to real estate investing and I've decided that I want to pursue this as a serious career in hopes that I can one day leave my current job.

Like do you look at job growth, median income, revitalization projects.

My goal is to work a second job for a maximum of 5 years, (was hoping 2-3 years), doing so I can (with a partner), have 100k cash each year to invest (50k each per year).I'm in South Texas, I've seen prices around 220k-300k for property with 8-10 units.  

If it’s a gut job, then I usually go semi modern with new materials.Keys is to stick to one theme throughout and work within he same color pallet.

You have to look at list price and see if they are over inflating, at market, or below market for current condition of the property being marketed for sale.Without knowing your current net worth, liquidity, annual profit income from job or business it is hard to comment further.For example if you have good cash coming in and want to create wealth you might be better off buying a new house in a new development going up phase zero (just dirt and pipes).

There appears to be good job growth and population growth, as well as low unemployment.

Ottawa was great but the numbers dont make sense no more.I also found that in many of these markets, the sellers are retiring, they are not overly greedy, some offer seller financing and there is always great value add opportunities (mostly under value rents, easy light reno cosmetic jobs and leases that include electric heat and water which can easily be transferred back to renters.

My first job as a junior in high school was telemarketing for that company and I’ve had at least one foot in lending ever since.

I'm in Warrensburg  Missouri, have a great job and over 800 credit score.  

Good job finding the issues while you still have options.