Meetup.com is a good resource for those but some of the groups will also post here on Bigger Pockets Marketplace too.

If anyone has any tips or tricks for this process I would be happy to hear them.Thank you.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

** If you’ve engaged in rent-to-own or lease option transactions, what tips do you have for making sure it’s a beneficial arrangement?

You'll pay a premium for their other stuff to supplement your core materials, but that's fine.

Thank you for information and the tips. 

If anyone has recommendations for free resources—whether it’s books, websites, videos, or anything else that could help me sharpen my skills—I’d really appreciate it.

Haven't found much resources on how to structure the deal whether to buy out partner's shares at existing basis (I believe this wouldn't be advantageous as I wouldn't get to mark the asset to market and lose out on depreciation) or open new LLC or S-Corp and buy out both partners (I would end up taking gain tax due to sale but would get new dep. basis).

This is a great place to learn and to connect with people so take advantage of all the great resources.

Just a short list its like 50 ways to leave your lover there are 50 gothcas in sub to. 1. the easiest for everyone to understand the sub to violated the Alienation clause in the mortgage or deed of trust and holder of the mortgage DT / Note decides to call the note due and payable and starts a foreclosure. 2. foreclosure started and the person who bought sub to has no means to pay it off or refinance it and the original sellers credit get trashed and if its a deficiency judgement state even on an owner occ like Texas lender sues original seller for the deficiency. 3. this kind of investing or acquiring assets tends to attract those with limited resources so they have no ability to fix things they decide to scale up and then it goes out of control and sellers are really harmed4. deal goes south and original seller sues or files complaint with AG. 5.