@Marcus JeffersonTo answer your question, I'll share a link to a killer blog post written by one of my favorite people here on Bigger Pockets, professional appraiser @Ryan Lundquist.http://sacramentoappraisalblog.com/2014/11/06/how-much-is-the-largest-home-in-the-neighborhood-worth/ Remember that here in California a large chunk of what you're paying for is the land, and so just because the property is twice the size doesn't mean that the property is worth twice as much.The smallest home in the neighborhood will often have the highest price per sq ft, and the largest home will often have the lowest price per sq ft. 

I started a blog where I am going to do just that.

and only when you understand this should you map it to a strategy that is in line with your unique skills and motivations3) You will need discipline and an execution plan - being your own boss is great but you also need to figure out how to be your own best employee4) Define a plan and set interim milestones - being an entrepreneur can be a lonely profession and success is not a straight line so plan for getting yourself some small wins and maintain a long term perspective to help get you past short term challenges.5) Understand what constraints leaving full time employment will eliminate e.g. more time to focus on real estate, and what constraints it will introduce e.g. less income and ability to get credit6) Understand that you will need a team to succeed so make sure that the people in your life on whom you depend on for support are fully behind youHere is an article that I wrote that might be of additional help - https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/11782/88425-want-success-here-are-ten-things-you-must-give-upGood luck, going on your own has got enormous upside potential but it is not pain free.

Take advantage of what Bigger Pockets has to offer such as: word alerts feature, awards, forums, blogs, ebooks, webinars, podcasts, informative people in many fields of real estate, colleagues, and more.

I'm about to check out a couple of bp blogs on eviction process so I can get caught up.

Feel free to contact me and check out my blog should you want more info:www.har.com/cozyhomes

I've posted a few articles both on our website (below in the signature) as well as the blog I have here on BPBut those investors have also studied the local market a lot, talked with local professionals, and networked with other investors to help them understand the risks more.The meetup I help organize out here in Seoul is all about overseas investors looking to invest in the US or other countries. 

There are stories galore, and I'll share some of them in a more formal blog posting after closing.

thanks for the kind words once again, @Robin Watson, @Mark Holencik and @Bill Manasserohttps://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/11976/8...

It can be very confusing when you first start, but with a little time you will be able to navigate through deals on your own, without giving up a ton of your money.I have written a few blogs that may help you out.