I am brand new and still soaking up every bit of information and knowledge I can get my hands on.

I see this forum as a good opportunity for me to soak up information from experienced professionals. 

do you have experience with urine soaked into floors and baseboards?  

It works well if you use it according to the directions (plastic scrapers a must with longer soak times).

I highly recommend  you look into that.Something you might want to look into before you get started1) Soak up as much info as you can so that you know what you're doing.2) Pick a niche and try not to get distracted by various means of investing.3) Build your team before hand - insurance agent, local community banks, lawyer, realtor, property manager and handymen.4) Run numbers on a LOT of properties just to get familiar with the process.5) Research on neighborhoods that work out for you.6) Network.

I have been reading the beginners guides, listening to podcasts, and just being a sponge and soaking up all the information and advice that comes my way.

Two urine soaked mattresses, a destroyed couch, hopelessly soiled rugs and towels, broken plates, furniture, etc, etc.Between the damage and the lost income we’re out about $6k, not enough to file an insurance claim and make it worth the possible rate increase after the deductible.

Start with your local REIA, meet other investors that are having success in the same niche that you're looking to get into, and soak up their knowledge and expertise.

Soak up info and formulate a game plan.

I am trying to read and soak up as much information as possible so I am fully prepared for my first purchase!