Newbie - Mortagages and Selling House

[Ryan McNamara]

So I'm a complete rookie when it comes to buying a home. Literally have never done it but am interested in learning more. In my research keep hearing a lot about "appreciation" and I'm a bit confused. Let's say I do a 30 year mortgage on a rental property, can I sell that house before I pay off the mortgage, is this normal in real estate investing? Or is the idea to buy property, turn the cash into more rental properties, and then pay off your mortgages over time to then sell and make a $$$ off the appreciation from that?

Looking for a better explanation on understanding mortgages, appreciation, selling real estate investments.