I've got some pretty solid connections in the area. 

For what it's worth, the contractor I'm currently with informed me that by next week he should have everything he needs from the building inspector, so I'm looking forward to a solid update before making any big decisions.

I have people that have been waiting to invest but I've not been willing to take on investors so I'm happy to send them to others if they have a solid plan. 

Your savings is solid for what you want to do, but you don't want to burn it all waiting. 

Obviously, your tenant screening would need to be rock solid to keep out folks like the ones you evicted. 

Pick a solid B-Class suburban area.

@Travis HeppeI would always suggest putting money in your kitchen and bathroom finishes such as tile and maybe solid surface counters instead of laminate.

However, I'm looking to broaden my horizons, and I'm curious, to those who have a solid understanding of the financial side, how did you learn about it best?

All that matters, is if you can find a fair priced property and make a solid profit.

But the foundation and plumbing in this place are solid and it has some new windows on the 1st floor.