These agents need to have a solid grasp on the market, Section 8, lender, contractor connections, and have confident knowledge as to what I can rent the properties for, what improvements to make, etc. 

I need some of the "negative" aspects behind it to grasp y people don't just do both

Mine doesn't really grasp spending/saving yet very well, but she has the 3 jars with spend/save/give.

The concepts are simple, and I grasp them easily, but the reality of implementing this is daunting.

What educational resources do you feel are mandatory to get a solid grasp of direct marketing fundamentals?

Since it sounds like you have some investing experience and likely have a decent grasp of what your goals are for your investments, I would suggest that you make a list of questions to ask potential providers.

I feel like I have a grasp on how to do the math on a deal (I have found a few pretty promising ones) and I analyze at least 3 a day, I love the rental property calculator here on biggerpockets, but most I have to do by hand.  

I am new to REI and really do not have a solid grasp on the dynamics of RE.

I was fortunate to get introduced to the podcasts early on which I tribute to some of my prior knowledge and I feel like I have a grasp of what I'd like to do, but all of you seasoned investors I'm sure know exactly what not to do, and what's ok to push the limits with. 

I would seriously start by just reading as much information as you can until you have a decent grasp on wholesaling.