Just the fact that you're here means you won't make the mistakes I did when I was looking for my first properties.I am a big fan of Gary Keller's books (HOLD and Millionaire Real Estate Investor are great reads), not to take away from any of the others mentioned already.

Learn the different ways to invest and figure out which ONE you want to pursue.2) Listen to BP podcasts that focus on that one niche you chose and the guest speaker will tell you exactly what you need to do to start marketing to generate leads.3) Read "The Millionaire Real Estate Investor" and "The ONE Thing" both by Gary Keller.

The last agent I worked with on that team had a HOLD worksheet (from Gary Keller's book, HOLD) prepared and stapled to the listing for each house we toured.  

@Gary WrightI'm glad you are finding the material interesting.The key to success is a good attorney on your team, California is a complicated state.

Until then happy investing Cheers Gary

Originally posted by @Gary Nakauchi:     That's exactly what I'm in the process of doing.  

Dawn Oishi Gary Wong

Based on the economic model in the Millionaire Real Estate Agent, Gary Keller recommends that 10% of your GCI should be spent on lead generation. 

Gary-Jc Construction

I follow Gary Kellar's advice: you make your money when you buy.