Besides soaking up as much knowledge as BP has to offer and attending meetups (both of which I'll be ramping up) what other advice would you give someone in my position? 

You will also find out in real time if the real estate investing career path is what you expected.As for the kids (I have three), they soak in everything at that age and I can't think of a better message a father can send than what you are contemplating.I wish you all the best and respect what you are trying to accomplish for you and your family, @Andrey Les.

Since December, myself and my girlfriend have been backpacking through Southeast Asia, all while soaking up as much information as I possibly could with reference to real estate investing.

Welcome @Anthony Tortorello a lot of very intelligent investors in this feed, soak it up.Good luck in your adventure.

You can also soak up as much information from them as possible and see what the successful ones do and what the unsuccessful ones do. 

I'm constantly reading, learning, soaking up any information I can.

I’ve been interested in real estate for a few months now and have been reading books and soaking up information.

Double sink, soaking tub, 7 foot tall shower, double outlets on each side, and you're gold.   

The plan now is to be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible to make us more prepared when that time comes! 

My goals for the next year are to be a sponge and soak up as much information from the BP world, put together a business/action plan and make my first investment.