Just until I get more knowledge base. 

I'm looking to build a network and gather as much knowledge as possible to become as successful as possible.

Aside from being responsive and knowledgeable, she is also an experienced landlord and property manager and an expert in lease/purchase and owner financing.

I would stay open to splitting the equity as tenants in common - your first deal should be about experiencing a successful deal not having 100% ownership.

Just by looking at it I told him it was a good price and didn’t expect it to stay on the market.

Stay persistent, you will have huge up and downs, I have had months were I made $35,000.00 and thought I was invincible, and I have had 3 months without a closing.

I'm currently a senior in college and plan on graduating in the Spring with a degree in finance, and am currently still living with my parents and have no major expenses outside of paying for my car insurance and phone bill (Lucky, I know).Given all the experience and knowledge on this site, I was just curious what would be the best way for me to start out?

Can anyone advise as to the health of the rental market(s), as well as recommend a great investor-knowledgeable realtor?  

I’d prefer to stay in Ankeny as opposed to Des Moines.

Tertiary goal is to learn enough and build enough so that when I do retire from the fire department I can take my knowledge and skills with me to my new location - most likely a beach somewhere in the Carolinas - and be able to invest locally in beach rentals.