One component of underwriting an asset for an investor. 

Something like, "located in the historic XYZ district, walking distance from the Alamo, and just 3 miles from the San Antonio International Airport". 

I had a script that I internalized that would help identify their level of motivation.You should also identify an area you want to farm.

All the major components have lifespans.

I've been contacted (through Zillow) by three individuals claiming to be with an independent company offering short-term residence to traveling nurses, professionals and interns.

Refferals should be a major component of your business.

To answer your question about holding receipts, the cost seg engineer report will itemize all of the components of the property from the acquisition.

Columbus is also home to OSU, which constantly develops real estate, employs lots of jobs, and attracts students from the US and internationally to attend.

I have effectively been working for the past 2 years as a full time engineer (although under the title as an intern).

Home inspectors are also a great resource if you use them properly--be attentive during home inspections, ask thoughtful questions about things/home components you want to learn more about, and a good home inspector will usually have no problem explaining these things to you.