What to do while saving money for REI?

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I'm currently going to school to get a full time job so I can save money for REI. So far I'm reading books, attending seminars, REI clubs, going to the occasional open house and learning from Biggerpockets material like webinars, podcasts, forums, and blog posts.

1)  What else could I be doing aside from learning, networking and saving money?

2) Another question, I've found a few people who could be very good useful on my REI power team. I've also found several people who can be good private lenders or to form partnerships with. Since I'm not going to start REI for at least 2 years, is it too soon to approach these people?