Hands on real life experience is the way to go!

I have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life, and in the last few years became interested in real estate after completing extended research before purchasing my first home.

Good points everyone - Jon, you touched on something that I think is desperately lacking in the education system, and that is practical "life" knowledge - this especially pertains to financial know-how, even stuff as simple as balancing a checkbook.

MikeFirst thing I would do is to look at Rochester again and ask yourself do you really want to spend the rest of your life there?

Pick out your target price range, neighborhood(s), and style/age of house.

Bottom line, I gave a real life example of a poor quality agent (with all details necessary) and you immediatley chimed in to defend how it is not in the sellers best interest, yada, yada.

I'm not really looking at being a landlord for the rest of my life.

He has actually be a life saver and I think it's in decent shape. 

Yes, I left a lot of equity in them but I don't need it to fund the next deal or life expenses. 

Have you read Set for Life by @Scott Trench?