My name is Erin and I'm a fitness blogger and am trying to dip into real estate investing as well.

Hi, I am new to BP after a recommendation to the BP podcast by a financial blogger friend.  

Below are some links that I hope you will find helpful as well as some tips to get you started on the site.Start here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereFind and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetCheck out the BP Podcast:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/Definitely check out the beginner's guide and set up your keyword alerts like @Larry Fried suggested.Since you are from the Bay Area, I would also like to throw in a plug for an article by one of my favorite bloggers on the site, @Scott Trench about investing in expensive cities: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/07...If you are looking to build long term wealth but do not have much of a personal finance background, I suggest you check out the rest of his articles as well, they are great for 20 somethings.Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of participating in the forums!

I dreamed of being what blogger Aaron Karo calls a “day-crawler”.

Look her up here on BP.Ken Corsini, a frequent blogger here, just created a new podcast where he interviews folks about their "Best Deal Ever".

lolI have:-Profile Complete-Popular Poster-Newbie Blogger-500 Post Club

Alan, I'm a DIY blogger and YouTuber and do home improvement projects, furniture makeovers, gardening projects, etc on my blog and channel.

Plenty of hyper-anonymous nickel a day financial bloggers out there recommending credit card cattle travel hacks with creepy Ewok profile pics and no name already.

http://www.grbj.com/articles/78674-grand-rapids-ho...http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150607/NEWS/306079987/planners-seek-to-make-grand-rapids-medical-mile-a-healthy-place-tohttp://fox17online.com/2015/03/17/grand-rapids-rental-vacancy-rates-lowest-in-country/http://mibiz.com/item/22318-grand-rapids-said-to-have-lowest-rental-vacancy-in-the-countryhttp://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/three-reasons-why-grand-rapids-is-beer-city-usa/

Here's an interesting article on this subject from one of the more respectful financial bloggers - http://www.financialsamurai.com/mortgage-pay-down-strategy-in-a-rising-interest-rate-environment/In the end, the real answer depends on your current situation, your expectations of the future and the level of risk you are willing to take.