When first starting out do you need a firm understanding of basic accounting or is general high school math acceptable to run your business.

If they have, chances are you are wasting your money.5) If you use a call center or an answering service, try calling the number you are sending out to see what your prospective seller is hearing.

I have a relatively minor history in real estate, but I interned with Colliers International, the commercial firm, my senior year of college.  

I have a friend who is currently looking for an internship with any large construction or engineering firm in the Atlanta, GA area.

Having the confidence to walk away knowing you can't make a deal with an unmotivated seller will help you make better and quicker decisions later, allowing you to focus on those prospects that will result in checks.

@Carlos AppezattoThe example of what to ask a prospective caller I gave was just a blanket example, you need to set your own criteria but the basic of pre screening applicants is " you just gave them the minimum" that you would even consider meeting with them to show the unit.The other posters have given good tips and I think one thing you could do is have someone "Shop" your realtor.. act like a prospective tenant to call or contact, and see how long it takes for a reply, how enthusiastic the person is to meet and show the unit.. and how quickly they can get an appointment.In the rental business we were shopped occasionally even by our own property owners, so we were prompt with calls, gave fair and equal treatment to applicants, and were good sellers of our units for the owners.. in fact their are businesses out there that hire people to shop apartments just for this purpose.

A real estate broker within the meaning of this part is a person who, for a compensation or in expectation of a compensation, regardless of the form or time of payment, does or negotiates to do one or more of the following acts for another or others:(a) Sells or offers to sell, buys or offers to buy, solicits prospective sellers or puchasers of, solicits or obtains listings of, or negotiates the purchase, sale or exchange of real property or a business opportunity.

So, if a prospective tenant asks you if you accept section 8, you can not say " No, I do not!"

I understand that the potential to make little to no money is the "norm" for the first year or so, I am okay with that prospective and would much rather gain knowledge and allow someone to give me an opportunity to prove my abilities.

If they try to pay rent, you should refuse it firmly but politely.