To learn about CRE the best place right now to get a general sense of the business is something like chatGPT.

How to track potential growth in an area to see if a lot is viable for purchase and building spec homes on etc. 

@Cole DobbsWelcome to BP!

Then I would either go to your GC with the info, or go directly to your subs (licensed electrician etc.) with the info.

If I had to leave a takeaway from this post before getting too far in it would be that whatever goals are had you have, we have these goals for a reason and typically it does not go exactly as planned but even if it doesn't go as planned, we can pick up where we left off and give it a fresh start.

Bootstrap financing How did you add value to the deal?

And, by the way, if your "mentor" tells you they are going to invest, get them to make that commitment BEFORE you sign on the dotted line.

Buying a portfolio without experience just throws you in the deep end without the ability to learn and develop these things. 2.

You don't need to learn REI in your job, that's a side thing. 

Self-Employment Opportunities: Would it make sense to start a side business related to my rental properties (such as property management) to access more deductions?