You must have your personal finances in order before you invest.

For example is a personal loan from a bank is 7.5 % that you could use as a down payment (after its seasoned), and your 401k loan is 4.5% but the 401k is expected to return 7.5% per year the money you save on one end you miss out on the other end basically and if your 401k returns are 20%, then you lose out significantly. 2.

@Dan Groveyes, go to meetups (real estate or business) and meet people in person and build a networkbut... no offense... i don't think funding an entry fee in second position is a particularly compelling investment

Cat odor is far more problematic than a small dog, but I would check landlord references to confirm how they've maintained their last residence.

A sage person who responds often on this forum said, "Airbnb insurance is a profit center for them". 

I know Walter personally.. he knows a lot about real estate from many angels..

Cash flow is constantly promoted and pushed, and often, the personalities lack long-term experience, so they can't talk about the best reasons we should be investing.  

A realtor doing high volume, you don't have to use one you can poll 3-5 agents see what they do to get you the comps and then pick that person to help you.

Do you own a personal residence yet?

I think they contain solid information and will help lay a good foundation as a beginner (Haha, I'm completely new to real estate as well, btw)I'm also going to be reading the following books, and hopefully I can finish all by the end of this month:1) The ABCs of Property Management2) The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing3) Long-Distance Real Estate Investing How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties (this might be the most important one to me personally)4) The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money DownIn addition to reading, I'm consuming crazy amounts of youtube videos, and I'recommend you do this as well.