Bigger Pockets final exam

[Tyco Bronye]

Listening to podcasts, you tube videos, and reading books and message boards I often hear it discussed, don't try to learn everything before jumping in on the first deal, yet it's also pointed out that it's foolish to start investing without some education. Of all the times I've heard this I've noticed it's never really talked about in terms of specifics.

On one end of the spectrum Josh Dorkin made this site because he was supposedly burned on some of his first real estate deals because of lack of knowledge, on the other end of the spectrum I hear the term "analysis paralysis" a lot.

We all grew up taking tests in school to determine what we "really" know about a subject. When pursuing a career from plumber, cosmetologist, to doctor and lawyer, there are always tests involved.

What should be on a real estate final exam?

If you don't want to bother making a list of test questions I would be curious to know maybe how many books one should read? How many hours should one spend listening to podcasts? How many hours should one read Bigger Pockets forums? before setting out on that first deal.

This could also blend in with what mistakes did you make early on because of lack of knowledge?