I suggest you read the  Ultimate Free Beginners Guide It may help give you an overview of the business which may help clarify you goals and path forward.

Just be very cautious about having to hit a certain % return and going down the path of buying in lower end homes find a happy medium.

@Joe Demonte My take on degrees is pretty straightforward.

Some people never come to that realization, and certainty have time to correct path.

Actually, I usually do straight-forward deals with real owners (non-pre-foreclosure, non-REO); though I have done 4 REOs to date.I have been involved in some pre-foreclosures, though I have less experience in this area.Most of the time I find that after the low interest rates we have had for the last 5 plus years, properties are mortgaged to the hilt... way above market values (and certainly above what I am willing to pay).It is a much trickier game (pre-foreclosures) as the banks will only speak with you if you have specific, written authorization to do so from the morTgagee.

I plan on going into the field of engineering but know that this is not a path to wealth.

Congrats on pushing down the path of investing.

Small % vacantArea neglected because path of progress went the other wayD AreasThe area of the city with the most repairs needed.Business with bars on the windowsGas station attendants stay behind bullet proof windows.Higher vacancy ratesLots of cars in the street and lots waiting to be worked on.GoalsBuy a B property in an A Area

I hope to have a mentor soon who will help guide me in this path.

It's incredibly expensive and the path to getting your final approvals is filled with a lot of frustration.If you're seriously interested you can get a mini development education by picking up a small parcel and go through the process of having it re zoned.