I read books related to this topic and try to learn something new about someone everyday.

Learning more and more everyday from the BP community.

I understand you have to live in the property, but do I need to live there everyday?

Everyday I hear good operators talk about labor shortage.with all that said I think they're probably are some great opportunities. 

Time is money, and if I need to clean up and prep the job every day because of work in a property, my time more than triples!

I would say: spend about $100 on audible and read 1 book in each of the topics that sounded interesting to you on the replies on here: listen to about 1 to 2 months of podcast with bigger pockets and get familiar with construction (cost of labor and material) : if you are consistent for about 1 month: 1 to 2 hours every day (almost like your 3rd job) monday to Friday (with realistic breaks) :) you will have a clear idea of where to go next.

Also letting people in my everyday life know I'm looking into RE investing.

Real estate market and yes housing is in demand.Over 230 people moving here everyday then leaving.If you wait 6 months plan on paying $30,000-$70,000 more.

Take a look at BP's blog where new articles are published every day: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog4.Check out the BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast5.If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking6.

Every day, more humans populate this Earth.