Newbie from Los Angeles, CA

[Frances Koo]

I'm a part-time investor in real estate, and I'm getting myself up to speed by reading, attending REIAs, and getting coached and trained from various sources. I learnt about BiggerPockets from a friend.

I used to be a software engineer, since I lost my job in 2014, I have turned to investing while my husband works.  We have a child in elementary school, and my first goal is to build up our retirement income and our college savings account.

I live in California and it looks difficult to start as a newbie.
Any other Californians around who'd like to dispense with a tip or two? Thanks!