My roofer gives my ballpark quotes using google earth to measure

You will get some info (which won't be anything earth shattering), then they will convince you that you need the next level, and so forth and so on. 

The thing that I do not understand is with guys like Brian out there, why on earth would someone roll the dice on someone's first or second deal?

Done.Learn to use BP to its whole potential - subscribe to BP blog and podcasts and start reading posts and listening to their podcasts collection.Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing+ https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/12/1...You can find a glossary of some acronyms here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/real-estate-abbreviations/Here some recent articles good for starters:- one to raise you up: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/3-importa...uestions-starting-investing-real-estate/- one to bring you back down to earth: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/dont-just...- one in the middle: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/cheap-fre...- https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/03/2...eal-estate-investment/?

To be honest, aside from being off by a couple thousand, my explanation is every bit as down to Earth as the "you're really starting a new loan with a shorter term and hypothetically lower payment" thing, if not more, so don't hurt yourself getting down off of that high horse.

Totally different @Milian Bonillo an earth quake is an act of God. 

I've been reading these forums for years so I know this is the best place on Earth to go to for advice.

This is my opinion, but I recommend driving out there & carefully looking around, maybe use Google Earth to look very closely & follow along the roads.  

Where on earth would you find something like that?

If you are serious about REI as a career, and you are paying for your school, getting student loans, or have somebody (like your dad) paying for your school... there is not a degree on earth that I believe is worth the amount of money you would be paying for it (this would be a different story if your goal was to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, etc).