I have to agree with Luis Montanez 100%, especially with his advice "to take the time to mature at a pace that is right for you." I am in the same boat with guys, I was been bitten by the 'real estate investing bug' back in April this year and so far have read books, listened to pod casts, attended REI network meetings and guru freebie seminars.
Many investors will say 'just get in and do deals', but some will say they spent some time educating themselves. You really have to ask yourself the question of what has your past decisions dictated to you? If you are spontaneous and jump right into things, have you had regrets doing so? If you have, then that may be a clue that you'd want to switch gears.
My advice to you would be that if you want to get in the game sooner than later, then partner up with someone or find a mentor or coach who you can lean on. You may be better off (long-term) to set up a strong educational foundation, especially if you are brand new to the industry.
As far as taking real estate classes at your community college, you're taught mostly concept and theory, not real world application. Stick with BP to get educated since it so easy to find answers to basically any question you may have on RE investing. Once you've become educated, you can use more of a methodical plan of action and the direction you take will be less of a shot in the dark.
