So many fail simply because they never learn how to recognize a real deal or add value to a transaction.

But in Belgium you really don't want to start an LLC or anything for your real estate, but just buy it in your own name, which is much more profitable.No Antwerp is just the area I am familiar with :) I really need to know for what prices houses are selling and renting out in the area to quickly recognize a good deal, so that's why I stick to the Antwerp province.

Not recognizing aquifers.  

You must be able to recognize the difference.

another thing @Dawn Anastasi, is that because I was around so many different people in the military, you can learn to recognize qualities in someone, so what I could even do ( I have not researched the legality of this, I am just brainstorming) is start them out on 1 month and explain that it is to make sure that they are suitable for the chemistry of the apartment, if so and everything goes well, we continue on.

Generally this is only recognized with the Seller and not the Mortgagee.

He talked about benefits of not having to deal with typical landlord issues, not having to recognize capital gains(sale price was more than what he paid for it) and it created a positive cash flow.

Enough to where my property evaluation perspective has changed and it has me recognizing how one-dimensional (and deceptive!)

If they were mentored and have made some money, what they could be saying is "I followed this guy, was lucky because I had no clue and made some money".There are always key players in real estate, in any area, no, it's not your big shot investor at some REI luncheon, it's one of the few well recognized RE attorneys, it's the CPAs who specialize in RE, it's the senior compliance officer at the bank, it's title attorney at the title company, senior appraisers and the real estate brokers running the larger most successful agencies in your area.

It exemplifies the visionary thinking and risk-taking spirit that characterizes successful real estate investing — the ability to recognize the potential of undeveloped or underutilized assets and transform them into valuable and productive resources.Today, the legacy of the Louisiana Purchase endures, serving as a testament to the transformative power of strategic investment and forward-thinking decision-making.