Reading all the books and watching the Bigger Pockets videos, everything seemed to make sense on paper but was so difficult in practice.

If you start developing it or JV with other partners without any experience, I would doubt you even know what you can negotiate and what landmines and traps to watch out for. 

Of course, can't a renter  watch TV?

Let us work towards a system that upholds justice while safeguarding the rights of both tenants and landlords.Went to State Legislative to Support Bill to Hire more Commissioner which unfortunately didn't get approved this Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?

. :) and or had to send in the 5k retainer and watch it erode kind of like a snow cone melting in texas summer heat.

Go and watch. 

I’ve been studying REI for about 3 yrs, PMed a successful rehab, and am about to do a development deal with the help of a mentor I met recently, so I know at least a little about REI, but still pretty green. 24 yrs old My question is, should I start the 300 online school hours and gain knowledge that way, or keep taking notes and watching YouTube?

I'm definitely listening to as many podcasts, watching BP youtube videos, searching the forums for specific topics and of course connecting with those who are already in the game. 

I want to take the next step whether its partnering or even just watching how a pro does business.

Have watched people grow too fast overleveraging just to see it all blow up.