Always.Wholesaling won't make you rich but finding deals can eventually make you rich when you start doing some of those deals yourself.Being an agent is a distraction.

(this will help keep you from getting distracted or overwhelmed)2) Attend look meetups in your area (look here and here) and start connecting with investors.Just some thoughts.

If someone is really zeroed in and really focused, then those distractions won't even be relevant. 

While you would certainly learn a lot getting your appraisers license, I think a lot of the other stuff you'd have to deal with my distract from your original goal of focusing on real estate investing.I would look for real estate agent continuing education in your area where you can go in person to classes that teach valuation of properties.

Also, decide on where you will locate your office and have the fewest distractions at that location.  

I dedicated myself to a specific niche for 9 months without getting distracted by the next shiny object and it worked out okay.My second suggestion is to team up with a local investor.

Got distracted with World Series stuff.

Even if it is your house just go where you will have least distractions so you can properly be organized.  

One more thing you need to do before starting is to locate your office somewhere with the least distractions. 

Office location that suits your needs is one my my large priorities with fewer distractions is very important.