I’m joining BP because after listening to a majority of the podcasts and reading a few of the books recommended by the guests on the podcasts, I realized I’m missing out on surrounding myself with individuals in the real estate community and the wide array of knowledge BP provides.

What do you use it for the majority of the time?  

I've sent out my first major batch of mailers and I have no complaints about my response rate.

The location is busy right off a major interstate on/off ramp, however, the area is not the best, and it still has the original tanks in the ground, which will have to be removed.  

In this case, I dodged a major bullet with a seemingly nice but questionable tenant who turned out to be a real problem for the owner.

2) can I get close to 2% in rent from the purchase price.3) can I recoup my initial investment to purchase the home (down payment, closing costs, rehab costs) in 3-5 years barring any major unforeseen repair?

No matter one's opinion on Art, Engineering, Finance or Education majors, the reality is a baseline education is helpful in REI.College teaches a couple of valuable skills: how to dig for information and how to apply that information to real world scenarios.  

It is located on a major hwy next to a I-95 exit.

Or at least a major part of the loan.

I have also repaired almost everything in a home. i only avoid major electrical and plumbing.