I have a major passion for real estate and can wait to learn more from all of you on here.

Start with a small multi (2-4 units) that is already existing, that needs cosmetic repairs (paint, carpet, windows, but not foundation issues or other major structural renovation).

Be very careful with “wholesalers” in South Florida majority of them send out daisy chain properties they don’t have under contract and just mark up other people’s deals.

Its very specific and the majority of buyers and renters will hate it.  

My typical path through a property is going around outside, then down into the basement, and then up through the house slowly with extra time spent in the kitchens and bathrooms.An agent or wholesaler intent on selling you the property, however, will often have a pre-planned route through it that points out its strongest features first, and only then proceed to the weaker features and major problems.You acquire the kind of reading skills you're talking about, and to a great degree, only over time and with experience.

It was a hard lesson but YOUR RIGHT it hasn't been a major issue.

Majority of the houses on the street are well kept but in the last 6 months, the area is very active with crime. 

Most likely there's major issues with the apartment.

Check with your local health department to confirm the septic capacity.  

The first pillar is a good insurance policy, as that covers the majority of the claims you face as an investor.