What steps should I take to learn about private money and how to get started or better discern if this is the path we should take?

So I'm going in with a very realistic understanding of the risks and approaching with discernment and research.

Those seminars are great for getting people interested in real estate :) The most discerning folks tend to get online and research, and find BP - and here you are.There is a wealth of knowledge to be found here... and great connections to be made.

Which is fine because you should be able to use the rental income but its important to discern when doing your pre-approval on how much you can qualify with rents and with out rents using only your personal income.

Low ReturnsIt's very hard to discern because of the sheer amount of noise in markets (international trade development, explosive technological advancements, changing demographics, change in geopolitical circumstances, change in banking regulations), but the US economy has been fundamentally weakening over the last fifty years. 

You should learn about real estate and develop a knowledge base from which you can discern good information from bad information.

This way I can discern multiple applicants that meet the qualifications.

I called the dryer repair person and when they discerned it was a total loss I had repair person go buy and bring the tenants a whole new dryer.

Just read all of real estate forecasts with caution and discernment!

Here is what I have been able to discern from your words and how you feel about this former tenant:Bat **** crazy, she needs to be taught a lesson, stupid kid, her friends are all stupid kids, they are a "classy bunch", her text are rambling and crazy, she is a peice of work, crazy person, and unemployed 19 year old!!!