How does buying a house and renting it out work?

I know next to nothing about real estate. Please help me or give me links that will help me understand this concept a little more. I have been told multiple times that real estate is THE investment and that purchasing a home and renting it out is a great option, but none have been too detailed with how to make it happen or how it works etc. What is i get a home with a mortgage? Can the tenants pay my mortgage with their rent money? Do they need to know how much the mortgage is? Any other tips, suggestions or other information on this would be great help. Thank you!

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