@Derek Turbacuski Your right to a certain degree about the CTREIA meetings. I think there is always a sales pitch about coaching, workshops, etc. The real value in these meeting is building your network. I think this is the most fundamental aspect about achieving success in this business. You can't do it all by yourself. I've met some good contacts at these meetings which is helping me to build my business. Some of the presentations are actually very helpful while others are more about pitching seminars or expensive coaching programs. I basically ignore that stuff and really focus on the relationship aspect of these meetings. You can also pitch your deals at the meetings as well. So don't completely discount the value of REIAs.
Quite frankly between the REIA meetings, BP, books, podcasts and an effective marketing program you should be off and running in no time! For now I would absorb as much knowledge about the business as you possibly can. I would recommend focusing on one aspect only though. Don't try to be a jack of all trades. Think about zeroing in on a particular niche. Whatever that might be. For me it was rehabbing because I get more satisfaction out of that. It takes a little time to figure that out.