My name is Mike. I live in a small town in North Carolina 25 miles southeast of Charlotte. I am new to investing. I am looking for knowledge, and contacts to help guide me in the right directions.   Any advise to a newbie is appreciated. Any groups, educational programs, networks, books, mentors etc that you can advise would be appreciated. I have 20 plus years experience in sales and marketing. I am hoping that some of these skills can crossover to this. I am starting part-time hoping to be full-time.