It sounds like you have capital, so it should be pretty easy to find someone willing to look over your shoulder and/or provide guidance for a piece of the take. 

This will be your greatest tool, and will put you head and shoulders above most REI because you will be able to think on the left side of the equal sign, instead of the right...like most REI do. 

I plan on learning as much as I can while I have little pressure on my shoulders, and then when I turn 18 I am launched into the adult world with my plan and my actions.I took a peek at wholesaling and it's something I would want to research a little further seemed interesting, thanks for that!

I encourage you to check it out, it is a great investment for a 30 day 'look over my shoulder' type of course. 

A track record is definitely key, but if it is a smart team with managerial experience I will listen, but I do want to know someone who has exited several deals is closely affiliated with them and is always looking over their shoulder.

I want my debts off my shoulder and to wisely use equity or some money to invest in real estate.

Truth is, if you work on a construction environment for large projects, there are rules to follow and several Agencies watching over the shoulders of the GC for the safety of their own employees. 

You'll start rubbing shoulders with all of the right people.

That falls on your shoulders!

Current landlord has owned the property for 40 years and shrugged his shoulders about extra insurance.