Is this something that I can pick up for free or do I have to subscribe to it?

I don't subscribe to the doom and gloom.  

Few actions on this website to help you get most out of your subscription.1) Please setup the key work alertshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts2) Search and Subscribe to you local BP forum and any other forums that you are interested in based on the real estate strategy that you are looking for.https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categories3) Network with the fellow BP members from your area or area of interest.https://www.biggerpockets.com/meet4) Review Brandon Tuner list of 'The Top 20 Real estate books Every Investor should read' and the list .These books a very good way to keep yourself educated on things that was already documented by the experts.

I can join this group by simply checking the "subscribe to this forum" at the top right of this page correct?

I was always tempted to drop in first to see if it was an easy fix before hiring a pro because a heating contractor visit to push the mode button on a thermostat costs just as much as one to fix a real issue.I also subscribe to the theory that I need to be able to frequently see what I own.  

CK is always about 25pts higher than what's reported by the agencies.I've subscribed to CreditSecure from AmEx for over 20 years (I know..lots of $ 'wasted') but I can pull my real credit report from all 3 agencies once a month.  

I subscribe to a lot of keyword alerts on BP, so when I got alerts to new forum posts I didn't take the time to read a few.

There are so many people finder websites that all charge a fee, not interested in subscribing to them all.  

Does anyone have any recommendations to free sites or sites i have to subscribe to gather reliable information?

And go on YouTube subscribe or watch  "wholesale to millions" he is GREAT