I want to know how valuable or a necessary a college degree is in the real estate industry. 

I'm guessing with a compsci and finance degrees you're wanting to do some sort of computer based finance.

I've been heavily focusing on my degree in Cybersecurity and will be finishing it this July (2017), but to my surprise I believe I have found my calling and it is NOT Cybersecurity. 

That being said, most guys don't really like being outside in 5 degree weather so if you have some interior work to be done, you might be able to get a bit of a deal (maybe 2-5% discount)- doesn't hurt to ask, just be aware you might scare off good contractors if they feel like you are being stingy.

I'm unsure of the long term costs and I would love for someone to commit to buy it in 1-3 years down the road.The podcast also mentioned that with Rent to own options, the landlord is liable (to some degree) for making sure the buyer is in a position to meet the demands of the contract term.  

Appreciation is local market specific and everyone would like to be able to predict that with a degree of accuracy.  

My heart definitely goes out to them for being in 80 degree house, but there is limited amount of things that I can do over the weekend. 

the bulk of my experience is in the construction business with a little in real estate and that is what my college degree in business emphasized.  

I'm a 40-ish guy with a business and electronic engineering degree.

Since I have an accounting degree (not a CPA), he expects me to be able to learn all there is to know in a few hours.