Almost nothing penciled out and I wasn't interested in buying properties with negative cash or banking on the possibility of future appreciation.So I resisted buying bad deals and pretty much sat on the sidelines from 2005 to 2009 and continued to build up cash, contacts, my credit score, and my RE knowledge/education. 

To get started, educate yourself on real estate investing, join local investment groups, analyze the market, prepare financially, find suitable properties, and analyze the deal.

Your first job will be to educate yourself daily on the investing strategies you plan to use.

I am new to this forum and looking to get educated to help me figure out where I want to start.

Education + Action = Results.

@Anastasia MonroTo achieve financial independence in real estate, focus on boosting savings, improving credit, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, searching for properties with high rental demand, researching local laws and regulations, building a team, staying educated, preparing for property maintenance and management, and being patient and persistent.

Either way I feel like I'll come out ahead even it's just in the education I'm getting.  

I figure the absolute worst case is the educational portion of most RE training is useful for anyone involved with RE investing just to understand the knowledge domain better, you know?

No question is stupid - its just not refined to get an educated answer.  

Toledo REIA and PIN (Toledo Property Investors Network) are both professional organizations that might help further your education and networking locally.