As a new comer, what would be the most practical advice you could give to starting and landing my first deal?

I'm excited to put some of my education into practice...plus get a little on-the-job training with my first deal really soon!

Protecting the public from unscrupulous and dishonest practices is an ongoing battle.

This is what most RE investors practice either with full knowledge of the issues or out of just ignorance of the law. 

As the nephew will refuse access to anyone, I don't know what practical benefit that could have, but I am sure they are also having him sign over some legal rights the uncle may still have.

The Bigger Pockets podcasts' are commendable, especially in terms of practical tips they offer.

The ROI on buying a SFH around here just doesn't make sense to me--on larger MFH, you might be able to find something, but I don't have _that_ much to invest.So, I'm looking out of state for my first investment to purchase in cash and see a small start to additional monthly cash flow, rather than letting the equity in my primary residence sit and do nothing for me.I've spent the last couple months listening to BP podcasts, reading a couple books, picking the brain of a realtor friend, talking to a mortgage broker, discussing investment accounting practices with my CPA (which, once again, confirmed to me how absolutely stupid and suffocating California's tax code is), and talked to a couple turnkey providers.I'm getting close to feeling comfortable in purchasing my first investment.

Not saying it is the best practice but it really boils down to the sellers motivation and it is a liquidity play.

It is a shed, not a living space, practically no bldg dept are interested in it.

Either because of time, disputes, title or condition, the person or people in charge made informed decisions that resulted in a practical resolution to a problem that listing wiuld not have provided.