Knowing how to do that will help you make good decisions.Track everything you do and review it regularly.  

At first I approached the business as any regular Realtor would.

I do not get any benefit from promoting, just sharing info with fellow investors.

I do not get any benefit from promoting, just sharing info with fellow investors.

BiggerPockets has a huge wealth of information, and I'd encourage you to read everything you can on here.In terms of your goals, one of the best ways to get involved with investing in real estate, is to start off by working a regular job. 

I think there are rules about self promotion, but you asked.

Return deposit & find regular tenants.2.

I started at the IRS in 1996 - twenty one years ago, and after I started I was promoted to the Criminal Investigation Division.

@ROB GRIFFIN (or any one else) can't promote himself in the forums.

I'm not promoting doom and gloom, but I am pointing out that for me 1) alternatives to SFR investments exist, 2) opportunity costs analysis tells me that other sectors (small commercial) may result in greater long term value/returns, 3) economic assistance packages for development in tier 1 counties exist, 4) substantial demographic shifts in tier 1 counties may be in play today.