Here are my primary concerns trying to start out.I dont want to have to buy 20 different books/courses to get all of the info I need.

What book was that in?

Sorry I could not help more… The real answers to these seemingly easy couple questions are explained in about 50 pages in a law book.

Like maybe "real world" is not the same as in the books.

Considering B of A's last purchase (which was a bargain), this would be one for the history books.

I am enthralled with becoming a Real Estate Investor and would really like to find a REI mentor or someone who I can "shadow", as a way to gain practical knowledge to partner with the info I've gotten from this forum and books.

Take your list and try each system such as electrical switches, plumbing fixtures, look under sinks, check the attic and basement, etc.Also, you could go find a large bookstore that sells real estate investor related books, find one that deals with rehabs and sit down with a Starbucks and read for free.

I think you will find that many of the banks have their list of properties on their websites...Also, there are some blue links off to the leftOVER THERE<--------------------------I think there is a link to banks...If you need any help… let me know.I kinda know my Foreclosure stuff…

Just find BiggerPockets on their site http://www.killerstartups.com.When our site comes up, you'll see a blue button to the left of our name that has a number and the word "Killers".

There are laws on the books to protect people's rights from just the kind of predatory practices that you committed.Regardless of the (to you) sneaky and abusive nature of this tenant you must follow the law.