There are a lot of regs, but at least they are well defined.

As well as coffee shops like Bottoms Up Coffee are moving in and small microbreweries like brew dog and Land Grant. 

In addition to the interest of the loan, you'd also be paying this as well. 

I found houses that had not been well kept up.

Class A properties will generally have high valuations and lower market Cap Rates.Class B Property:A step down from Class A, Class B properties are in the 10 to 20 year-old range, and are mostly well maintained.

I'd look at that as well as the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance, which every Pa township, borough or city has, or if they don't have those docs, they are covered by the county codes.

Are you thinking of acquiring in Iowa as well or are you open to other markets?

Have a steady 9-5 job but looking to branch into real estate investing as well. 

well, there are gurus and wannabes that's for sure, but if everyone did some research they could figure that out and get the right people to guide them.

You will get some of these as well (This inquiry was for one of my 1500 SF 2 Bed + home office units)..... but by no means does this investment strategy warrant paying for a course.