@Michael Parker I'd suggest searching these forums for your questions and topics as there are many threads on starting and specifically on books to read etc. 

Youtube is great for learning vocabularyBut if you can invest a little (it is really not expensive, between $31 and $79 I think the most expensive, anyway check) I recommend this web https://www.lexawise.com/ that has a lot of exams to practice, with timer and everything, and has flashcards, and if you want for example to practice a single topic of the exam also.

We're curious what recommendations the BP community would make with regard to this topic including specific terms like loan length, down payments, and interest rates or if we should avoid doing this altogether.

I added it to the BP event pages but here is the link in case you can't find it: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/1247063-scal...

Also if you have any reading suggestions for any STR topics that would be awesome. 

Any guidance and advice on various real estate topics would be helpful!

From time to time we also hold an online meeting for talking about a specific topic.    

Looking forward to learning from you all, and happy to connect if this topic interests you!

For example, if you want to find out whether you can claim your mother as a dependent or what records you need to keep in order to prove your charitable donations.When we deal with controversial and highly technical topics such as the question you posted  - you need professional expertise.

During that time, I’ve helped investors navigate the process, taught classes, and even written books on the topic.