Just starting out, want advice on REI! Concerns etc

[Jarred Marrow]

Hello all, no idea where to start but I have had an idea of wanting to start my REI portfolio but I am stuck with trying to move forward as I know REI is a process and making money doesn't just come over night. With that being said I would like advice or direction to point me in a way that will set me up for success during my process, are there any books specifically or podcast other than BP (exact episode # would help) that can sort of help me put my next foot forward in my RE journey. My main concern is that I don't know much about RE other than the few basic terms as I know i will need contractors, attorneys, loan officers,etc and making connections with these people, what should be my number #1 priority as I have analyzed property markets, have seen my loan options, but is it just me or do some words in RE seem scary!

Hope there is any advice or feedback I can receive from you all! also there is a family friend who has been in real estate 10+ years, should I approach him and pick his mind, I want a mentor someone who can really help me start my journey and continue to keep it sustained. Thanks for the help hope to hear from you all