Make sure the mentor doesn't teach you double closings and using the phrase "and or assigns".That's very old school.

One way to assess the neighborhood from a distance is to look up the ratings of the schools nearest to the property you're considering.  

What are the schools and shopping like?

Not by much, this is pretty much old school, jacking the price up above market value (as that is defined, not what you can get a buyer to pay) is the first red flag of predatory dealing and lending.

I've been listening to the podcasts and reading whatever I can, and they have been invaluable to me.I am lucky enough to have a decent chunk of capital that my parents had saved for me since I was a toddler for graduate school.  

But if it's possible, I'm going to do it.I make decent money but also have hefty bills (school loans, other debt from back in the day when I was a dumb young adult, childcare, child support) so I'm really keen on networking with people that can provide direction on igniting the fire with very little spark, so to speak.I look forward to interacting with and learning from all of you!

My realtor sent me properties daily, but this was just a random house that I came across.The house is in Cypress, zoned to some pretty good schools, in an established neighborhood, and close to 290.

They are in a great area that will appreciate no doubt and have great schools so they attract great tenants.

A quick background about myself: I am 23 years old, and since high school my end game has been to go into real estate investing full time after talking to my high school Consumer Ed teacher who was big into it.

The neighborhood is solid, great schools and very family friendly.