As an investor, my education, knowledge must be up to doing my own inspections, calcing my own offer price.I've bought 40+ rentals, I've never been given secret sauce helps from a buyers agent or even deals. 

It's better to walk away with $5,000 and tons of knowledge than nothing.

I lived in DFW for a while in the past and am moving back now, so I have some knowledge of the different suburbs etc..

Like I said I'm very new to this but very interested just trying to get as much knowledge so I can take my first step.

I have very very limited knowledge of Pittsburgh but my guess would be closer $1800-2000 for both.  

If you don't have money, then you need to bring knowledge or time and effort.

We've been in the knowledge gathering phase for awhile and are looking to do more networking and finally make the jump on our first deal.  

That's a longer story that is of little interest to most investors, as investors are knowledgeable buyers and understand credit.The other thing that increases home prices is simple inflation.

At this point, I'm like a sponge and will soak up any bit of knowledge I can get because I think passive income is the way to go. 

Knowledge of the local market, and rehab costs, knowing what investors are looking for, a marketing budget, and a high tolerance for tire kickers.