It’s not the quantity that matters it’s the quality!

(See American Housing Survey Reveals Rise in Doubled-Up Households During Recession and For Many Families, Bad Times Require 'Doubling Up'.)And there was also a fear about jobs/income and credit.

I know that real estate can leave a bad taste in your mouth if it bites you the wrong way but here's to hoping that you find the education you need to move forward confidently! 

Quicken has a bad rap with investors because it advertises low rates and then has massive closing costs.

As Aaron mentioned, each agent is going to bring something different to the table and I would suggest being very honest with yourself when it comes to what you are good and bad at.

There are no dollars assigned to new HVAC equipment or a water heater. 

@James Masotti From a defense perspective, lack of case law isn't necessarily a bad thing.

This is the bad part of real estate investing. 

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news... but I do often see 4-unit buildings in SE DC that might be in your price range ($600k to $800k) and you can use residential financing that will allow you to get into the property with less money down. 

Really bad idea.