Once you have a foundational understanding, you can refine your knowledge through blogs or forums that address specific topics.You should also find a real estate investors group where you can network and learn from seasoned pros as well as newer investors.

Gonna stay tuned in as well, thanks for sharing this.

The trick is... if you hire a PM MAKE CERTAIN they're good - honest, knowledgeable, responsive, driven....And make certain you 100% know how their fees work - some PMs will nickel and dime you beyond the set % they charge while others are less greedy. 

That could be a great way to stay engaged with local investors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsYou can also search for other investors in your area and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersBest of luck to you and look forward to following your journey!

I had to take over the Burlington property when Kevin listed it for rent without my knowledge and placed tenants in the property without authorization from me.

Very good job getting the reserach part down.Now you need to focus on buying the first investment- You need to decide- do you stay in CAlif and bank on further appreciation, or do you go midwest and get cash flow and lower entry costs.Its nice to diversify (I have both) Specifically Temecula, CA and Indiana.The local ones in Temecula have great tenants, stay a long time and pose few problems The lower income ones in  Indiana has a much higher cash flow, but also have their share of evictions, and issues.

He said " he would rather pay $2000 a month than sign a lease with such a crazy price hike "So I have a few options , give 60 days notice , move into the bigger house , now have my larger house, extra bathroom and garage for my hot rod and only increase my portion of mortgage $350 as I believe renting the 1/1 at $1300+ will be cake .Or supply 60 days notice and get new tenant at anywhere from 1850 -2150 a month and stay another year in our small 1/1 . 

As @Upen was referring to I didn’t have the interest correct in my analysis due to lack of knowledge of the higher interest rates for portfolio loans compared with owner occupied primary mortgages.

It may cost you a few nights' stay in a hotel.

I've been staying very busy with clients and investments which killed my BP response time.