@Nick Bleser In B&H the two biggest external risks are:(A) a decrease in demand and (B) a change in neighborhood desirabilityIn both cases, your revenue is threatened AND there's a potential need to increase expenditures - there isn't much you can do about it.Apply that to market cycles, and you're assuming risk if a cycle is likely to decrease rental demand ... because fewer people will want to culturally rent, because there will be more supply, or because there's a declining population IN THAT AREA.  

As I researched wealthy people, I found they all had one thing in common, they owned real estate and lots of it.

In the 1950's the population was near 3,600,000 with it being close to 2,700,000.However, that past information and not necessarily indicative of what is in the future for Chicago.Per my research - median home sale price is $170,000.You should be able to find a home to cash-flow at that price point.I also heard that was a recent state income tax increase which made some wealthy individuals move away from the state.I believe Chicago provides more opportunities to find cash-flow positive properties.

Starting out at your age will lead to you becoming incredibly savvy and probably wealthy by the time you are 30 (IMHO).  

At the 3 day, they will be promoting the next seminar where they will share all of the "secrets" to becoming wealthy. 

I used to look at wealthy and successful people and assume they were all old money, or they'd sold their souls, or worked 100 hours per week and had joyless lives. 

They have the best training and some of the best culture.

indulging in some Napa valley culture !!

Please do not listen to any Guru that promises that you can get-rich-quick because it is certainly not true, but you can become wealthy overtime only if you put in the Hard Work

If you don't have much to invest and aregoing to flip or rehab for starters, then stay very close to home.If you are a wealthy physician who wants to put $100k or soto good use and the local market is "bad" (whatever that meansbut think SoCal these days!