Since I have been unable to find a paying job, I have spent the last 8 months as an unpaid intern with a local buy and hold investor and have been soaking up as much knowledge as I can (I also just recently got my sales associate license!).

I have minimal knowledge but I am very eager and willing to learn and I soak up knowledge like a sponge.

Awesome to hear that you have found a REI group near you, definitely take advantage and try to soak up as much knowledge as you can from those who have grown a real estate portfolio.

Drive parks (plowing), marketing and talking to sellers and managers (planting seeds), then do deals (harvesting).For instance, a mobile home park manager I now work with, initially told me he didn't allow contractors to work in his parks.

I sold one of my rental holdings to provide the seed money for my first flip and I haven't looked back since then.  

wow---great advice from all....I am soaking it all in.....trying to figure this all out...

I wouldn't mind attending to ask questions and soak up as much info as possible.

if not, at least you put the seed in their minds that you are looking. 

I have heard nothing but amazing things and I look forward to soak up as much information as I can.  

You could soak up enough knowledge here in 6 months to be comfortable flipping.