It is certainly possible to have success with this, you just have to be smart about where you invest and how you run your listings.If I were you, I would manage the communications aspect of the listing myself. 

If you're doing a whole house worth, or even a whole apartment, buy the devices and plates in boxes of 10 to get a bit better price.When replacing outlets, move any "back-stabbed" connections to the side terminal screws; this gives you a better connection and reduces the voltage drop in the circuit. 

After watching webinar one of the links Brandon gave for people that are already pro members to use to access freebies came up with a error that I am listed as a monthly member.In June my credit card was charged for the full year so I don't know why the system would see me as a monthly member and when I try to go to the settings or account options page I keep getting errors that the page can't load and tried from several browsers and different devices.

Agree on the forum navigation especially on a mobile device.

With restaurants as an example if that food costs goes up, labor goes up, store needs reimaging, etc. all of these really eat in potential profits.I can own retail centers for example as a landlord and have the businesses do the intensive work with employees for sales and make a higher return with them paying me the rent each month.I am all about smart yield that is less intensive these days for returns.          

Now I have over a dozen free and clears, so you are smart to be aware of the principal/interest amort per payment as I was.

My #1 piece of advice is to buy something, just to get the ball rolling and learn.Be smart about it obviously, but don't be one of the lurkers who we see years later who still hasn't bought anything.Experience is worth it's weight in gold.

I think you are smart to avoid a condo if you want to invest for return, too many fees and rules and less appreciation. 

Make smart informed decisions.

Exciting and rewarding for those who are willing to cook in the smart/hard work.