No need for any overpriced education, just read books on real estate investing during your down time (I would recommend the "ABCs or Real Estate Investing" by Ken Mcelroy if you are brand new) and listen to the BP podcast when you're commuting, cleaning, cooking, etc.

A brand new furnace will, in theory, raise the value of the home by the cost a brand new furnace.

My name is Graham and I’m brand new to the Midwest! 

Houfy is a great cheap option, but I highly recommend creating a branded website to enhance your guest experience and be able to house resources, local favorites, etc. 

Do you think the answer to either of these fronts changes if the home is a rehab vs brand new construction?

Monthly we have brand-new never done this before students join.

Hi Alex,So I did a new construction in the city of Los Angeles where I did a complete raze (teardown) of an existing structure and built a brand new one. 

Would it be brand specific?

The 4 plex I purchased is brand new.  

All of the advice given by previous commenters is good but if you are brand new and are paralyzed by overwhelming information and having trouble getting forward momentum, this could be a great fit for you.