I would recommend networking with lots of people at meetings while making sure to consistently improve your understanding of real estate every day, whether that means analyzing deals, becoming more familiar with processes, etc. 

Look for the markets with consistent cash flow, avoid betting on appreciation, and concentrate on the "bread and butter" properties.

My biggest lessons have been related to setting up systems to get things done consistently and on time, without my direct involvement.

My uncle is executing the estate which consists mostly apartment complexes in California and two pieces of commercial real estate, one in Texas (double net dialysis center) and one in Arizona (triple net bank building).

Whatever your pet policy is, you need to make sure you stick with it throughout all your rentals for consistency and honesty - obviously, a non-refundable security deposit for a pet or a monthly pet rent will mean more $ for you - however, you also risk pets being badly behaved and trashing the apartment which you would have to pay to repair.

Purchase price: $400,000Property consists of a three unit multi and a separate single family residence.

The consistently cool temperatures seems to me It would be used as much, however just wanted to get some insight? 

Rates of return are great off market, so for C and often for B class I typically see an 8% cap and cash flow is consistent.

(Be aware of heating systems with steam boilers, they can be problematical and do not always heat buildings consistently.)You will want to develop relationships with several lenders.

.- Cross reference all the answers and you should start seeing some consistent themes and be able to feel like you know the area better.