I love the fact that this area has low taxes and instance is appreciating and I can spend $150-230k and get class a properties.We are investing for the long term so the cash flow isn't need now but for when we want to find early retirement in 14 years!

Spend most of your spare time reading about your specific interest in real estate as well as personal improvement. 

I can see that this will not be something I can get done fast but I suppose if I'm not spending the time then I probably shouldn't be doing this.

I have said over and over again that EDUCATING people to be successful costs money and time.If I make 400k,500,600k a year income and I take time out to help someone with no monetary benefit then not only am I not getting money from them but I am also losing money because my income goes down from not putting time into income generating activities.That is why I love Bigger Pockets because you can drop knowledge 24/7 and it's up to the reader what they do with what they learn.To expect a local investor who is successful to spend hours on end for free helping people make money is not realistic.

Maybe the spread is not enough for a buyer to want to spend 2-4k and their time.

I don't know if this is useful info as far as knowing what to expect to spend or if the comps are a better indicator.Once again thanks for any advice. 

Beyond the first book, would-be investors should be discouraged from spending money on the RDPD organization's training.

You might consider spending a few hours w a CPA going over your situation and past returns.

i called yellow letters and inquired about it too. the problem is that i have a full time job, hate to spend 30k (~$5k times 6 tries) with the hope of landing a deal. i think i am better off not talking to homeowners and leaving that difficult part to someone that's great at doing it.CL is a great suggestion, btw. last time i looked there were just dumpy detroit houses, nothing in farmington hills, westland, redford.

going through the courses and spending the money is brain damage, but if you can afford the time and the association dues (everything about NAR and being a realtor all comes down to paying dues) and you're serious about doing this for yourself and you're smart about it, having access to more information than the general public will give you a competitive edge.However, very few things will ever beat good'ol fashion hustle.