Now yes you get appreciation (hopefully) however those repairs and times on market are average and don't include big items that have a life span like roofs and hvac.

The first step, I would recommend, is looking for a local real estate group to attend to network and learn more about the industry and your local market (unless you are looking outside your market). 

Just wondering what are the average going price around there and is it worth the investments. 

I have a buddy who has 3 subway shops those do well.. not sure what is worse dealing with minimum wage in in the food service industry or working with low end contractors pick your poison

This is hard work and it takes dedication to being better than average.

Larger Industrial property is a fairly hot area right now due to the e-commerce boom so you might find a bank that's interested. 

I was in real estate sales and Property Management for 16 years, but left the industry at the time of the real estate bubble to go back to college. 

Numbers are rounded for simplicityScenario A neighborhood:  Purchase price, 200k, downpayment 40k, monthy cash flow after ALL expenses $200, annual average appreciation 3%.Scenario C neighborhood: Purchase price, 200k downpayment 40k, monthy cash flow after ALL expenses $400, annual average appreciation 1%After 30 years, assuming NO rent increases,  on Scenario A you would have profited 72k in rent, PLUS own a property free and clear worth 485k. 

I get a lot of newbies asking me what are the key ingredients in being successful in the real estate industry.

I also will help my friends and family by re-embursing them with the mandatory 6% realtor fee's, which brings me to my next question; could I advertise myself as an agent with my slogan being " I will give you $500 cash if you let me help you" I don't see any agents that do that, and I wouldn't care giving others part of my commission, so they could get money and I could also get money but most importantly the experience.although sheet metal workers in my area make an average of $90k a year, it is just hard on the body/lots of hours and would love to try perusing real estate.