I have used airbnb to see the interest for  potential vacationers for a 3 month period but it doesn't seem to get much attention.

Things like taxes, etc are no problem but when I do my periodic walk around our city and spot an unkempt house/apartment building how do I tell if the owner is well positioned for self finance, etc? 

I was wondering what websites, blogs or periodicals you read to learn about what markets to invest in or about the state of Real Estate in general, or specific markets?

Network and learn as much as you can from others, educate yourself, select a market, pick the niche where you want to play, and go for it.

Appraisal work definitely comes with the benefit of being very educated on real estate, financial statements, etc. but often in my experience leads to knowing too much, being too conservative, and holding yourself back.

The relatives stayed there for a short period of time then left, leaving them vacant. 

Most Proformas will at least have a small CapEx reserve shown.In this period of rapidly rising rent growth and low vacancy, a lot of this gets glossed over because property appreciation covers any problems.So, here's what I would suggest.

I just started RE investing around Oct and we want to make sure we get our taxes done and as well as all our education expenses.

Hi - I'd like to get in touch with an attorney on Washington, DC, who could educate me on local tenant laws.

I’m trying to get a clear answer on when that 6 months waiting period is actually satisfied.