I have close to 40 deals under my belt.

I'm a "newbie" by definition with one duplex under my belt but would be interested in meeting up as well to share stories and explore opportunities.  

Mine was 20 years as a successful real estate broker and Mortgage banker with 1000 transactions under my belt..

Until you've got 4 - 5 rentals under your belt I'd lean towards something that has a little less total risk. 

I've been a wholesaler in the metro Detroit area since early 2015 and have three deals under my belt.

BP,Would it be beneficial to add real estate agent to my tool-belt for here in California market?

Like @Matthew Paul said, if you use a commercial sander and do a couple of passes, you will essentially fill those holes with the dust.

If you change your mind you’ll have some basic classes under your belt or if you decide to incorporate another field of study with your real estate such as finance, all the better

Even with some deal under my belt I realized that I still have a lot to learn about RE.

. - Canada border (i.e. in the U.S.A. rust belt), our experience has been than many small(er) local and regional banks and credit unions will look at your Canadian credit history and tax returns (NOI).As far as Don Campbell's book - there are less guruish sources of information available than Mr.