hopefully not too broad of a questionRight now, I am lending to a flipper, but assume if I started flipping myself, this would be the easiest way to get these kinds of deals?

So if folks take what your teaching them which is probably best practices based on your experiences and buy at the top end of the rental spectrum I personally believe they stand a much better chance of success..

He has noted that historically low interest rates, falling long-term dollar value and future American economic growth make home ownership an attractive investment option for many at this time.My sense is that his words were meant for a broad audience and encouraging of real estate  purchases (primary residence or investment) in general.

There are certainly deals to be had, and someone like yourself with a little insider knowledge may be able to do well.Julie Broad has a great book called "More Than Cashflow" that is a well rounded introduction as well as some insight into her journey investing in various parts of Vancouver Island.

I know this is a very broad question to be asking but what are some big things to be carful of when first beginning in flipping/ renting homes.

Your questions run the spectrum from investing in real estate as a learning opportunity and income stream to becoming licensed which opens up countless additional opportunities and also carries with it additional expenses.

I'm looking to begin real estate investing, most likely single family or 2-4 unit multi-family.I'd love to tap into the brainpower of the successful and experienced investors within the BP community, with a broad, open-ended question: If you had $50,000 to invest in real estate in 2017, what would you do?

My interest is broad and I could really go in any direction as far as "choosing a niche" goes. 

Hey BP does anyone in Ohio have experience with Spectrum utilities? 

In my experience, they are much more on the optimistic end of the spectrum.