Well my partner and I wound up going inside and I saw his bass guitar and we started talking about playing guitar.

Quote from @Lacey Bediz: The first thing I would do is focus on education.

Thanks man.And @Denise Evans - the most educated person I've run across regarding tax deeds hands down!  

They didn't have all the real estate books, blogs, YouTube gurus, financial calculators, etc.The best thing you can do is buy a house and educate yourself on how to manage it well.

I recommend you join the California Apartment Association and start educating yourself on the law.

There is no wrong way to do this unless you aren't doing it at all OR you're harrassing peopleIf you find yourself attending a bunch of educational webinars, watching too many tutorial/training videos, or anything other than those 2 things, take some time to stop and reflect. 

Repair my credit, build capital with W2, continue to educate myself, make smarter and educated steps.

The bottom line is that their business models include selling educational products.

This is where educating yourself  and building your team becomes so important.  

I’ve had so many clients frustrated I put together a few podcast episodes trying to educate people about common pit falls.