In researching local markets, try to do as much reading of local business journals and some driving (being sure to save mileage records for your accountant) to get a feel for areas with growth potential where you can acquire properties in solid neighborhoods with opportunities for forced appreciation (i.e. improvements you can make to the property to add value and raise rents.)

The miracle morning routine is what I do every day now and it has had a huge impact on my growth as a human being and an investor.

Personally I would recommend talking to people in areas that are seeing the best real estate growth and then interview local agents/contractors/property managers to see if they are a fit for your goals.

This is not always the case but typically lower end areas are all cash flow, middle areas a mix of cash flow and good equity growth, and higher end areas little cash flow and the most equity growth. 

I have been a broker for 12 years and just recently moved here from the Tampa area BECAUSE the market here is one of the strongest in terms of growth in the state. 

NYC is a behemoth that shows no signs of slowing down growth in the foreseeable future.

That mortgage insurance is a b*&^h and with such a low down payment giving me a massive loan amount, I'm starting to wonder if I should reconsider things-still invest but maybe take time to save more down payment-but that could take years of potential growth away.

many things go into an appraisers decision or value of a property Location is very important with multi family's and sgr is it an area of job growth , what's the demand for rentals like What do the units each rent for every monthIs the property in good condition I'd assess that the owner is trying to make a huge capital gain if the property doesn't perform according to it's value it's a bad deal I'd say  What are the property taxes Would it cash-flow positively with a mortgage What's the cap rate in relation to it's listed price you must thoroughly analyze the numbers then area then the actual physical property to see if it's a good deal also see if there are any upgrades the appraiser may be missing from the equation 

Is their anyone that can direct me in the right direction on which mutual fund or funds  to choose that will provide steady growth for my retirement.

I feel the marketing in Pittsburgh is very affordable with huge of potential growth but i don't know on how to find my first deal.Do i have to work for a company or can i be independent and start my own company?