I got a letter back saying that I had to file state taxes every month.While this may be simple at first, as I am getting started and have not made any revenue yet, I was quite surprised that Washington State requires me to file EVERY month.

They will appraise it but don't be surprised if they request more than 1/3 of the money.

Then I gotta agree with the poster that said you mite be surprised at how little you can purchase.

Surprisingly, kitchen and bath remodels were further down on the list.   

You may be surprised how many calls you get.  

Scott's book helps but it's all experience and not finding a major surprise behind a wall, like a ruptured main line or something. 

I echo a lot of what @Ron Gallagher says, which isnt surprising since we are friends. 

However, I was surprised by how many people there are that are looking to move in as soon as possible.

Garfield, S Euclid,  Shaker, Euclid, etc..You really need to know what you are getting into. there are surprises in EVERY market.

But you'd be surprised, or, rather, I suprised myself: even in some very rough areas there is suprising rental demand.