The home you live in is never an investment. 

If a tenant wants a partner or roommate to move in, I do a background check.

Glad you're jumping into the industry and investing game early that's a big advantage already.

It is going to be very specific to the market that you are in.

One of the biggest advantages/skills that we all learned in the military is looking at the second and third-order of consequences (If I make this decision, it can result in x, which can then result in y).

This will probably take some time but I figure I can start to learn the game as a relator, make connections, etc. 

New to the game and looking for advice on the best sites to find current and historical rental rates.  

Is it about just getting started in real estate investing, is it about subsidizing an otherwise unaffordable home to live in, is it about acquiring strong income producing properties?

Don't play games with the seller or the other agent.

." - War Games, 1983 film.