.: BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free) and The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss (although it's no longer in print, you can find used copies).

Network and try to find a mentor in these groups or wherever you can to help guide you through this industry.

It's great to have you here.Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/m...Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/a...Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/r...Check out BP Money Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/..Wishing you the best!

Here's a detailed guide on how to screen applicants: https://www.biggerpockets.com/...TAXESYou are in a market saturated with investors and investor groups.

Here are a few I recommend: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Roberto Kiyosaki; "Set for Life" by Scott Trench; "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer; "The BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide" found here on BP; "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Tuner.

I'm happy to help guide you if you are interested in Columbia SC or surrounding areas.  

That will be your decision guide.

Again, a lender must be able to speak to these options in order to guide the client and even measure out how to approach their needs and concerns appropriately. 

Consider getting a good team together that can guide you on a market that you can play in with the cash you have(Not California).

Network and try to find a mentor in these groups or wherever you can to help guide you through this industry.