Which brings me to the purpose of my post: What types of jobs/professions would be best to learn more about real estate investments - particularly for someone who wants to focus on residential and (eventually) commercial multi-family properties?

The projected sale price will be $180k, with a potential profit of $58k.

Does the STR have to be owner occupied?

I have heard some stories of people starting out by house hacking.

Here's what I’m targeting:Investment Criteria:Unemployment rates below the national average.Rent-to-price (RTP) ratio of 0.60 or higher.Median home prices below $150,000.Growing population and areas where rents are stable or increasing.Key Questions:Which markets have you found to be ideal for first-time investors?

The first mortgage would be secured against the whole plot of land.  

The property has a resort feel and would be a great STR. 

Is there a program or software that allows you to easily observe all the properties in your portfolio, as well as their details? 

This means the crime level shouldn't be high, the median income > $40K - $45K, and there should be enough homeowners in the neighborhood.What else I should care about?

- Could the seller be trying to hide potential major issues in the house by leaving no room for inspection results or could it be just ensuring not to disturb the tenant?