Get as educated as possible and also don't get paralyzed by information overload.

I was a JTAC for 21 years, retired in 2008.Since you don't tell us where you currently are in your education/journey, I'll share some beginner advice.1.

For my personal education, which one insurance should I have?

Do you provide move in and move out reports How many pictures do you take of the property prior to tenant moves in and after the tenant moves outDo you get weekly reports when the property is vacant what prospective tenants are saying about your homeDo you provide monthly newsletters to your tenantsDo you hold investor education classes to help me become a better investorDo you have single point portfolio based management services?

There are opinions on these forums and people have a right to them and people may take it as criticism. real estate is not a business where everyone is friendly and just as you have shown from whoever was trying to scam you and has nothing to do with doing your best, its about being educated before moving forward. 

I see landlords lose thousands, even tens of thousands, making rookie mistakes that they could have avoided with a little education up front.Once the first property is under contract, start again for the second.

We've been helping investors from Bigger Pockets buy in Boise where that rule does not necessarily work - that's because we try to educate them that its more important to take action on an pretty good investment property than waiting around for a "home-run" deal. 

To make the most of your time here, explore the forums, listen to the BiggerPockets podcast, and take advantage of the educational resources and blog posts.

Whether that is most contractors, hiring an engineer, or getting self-educated.

Do know of any resources (books, courses, YouTube videos, etc.) to get educated on private money lending?