I would do a bakeoff and recommend that you take advantage of the free trial for both systems and pull some lists. 

You could read 100 books and still not know enough because certain things must be learned through trial and error.

You can certainly learn through free resources and online forums like this but a mentor can help cut thru the noise, provide clarity specific to your goals, and provide support to achieving them without the trial and error. 

Eviction went to trial last week and that person just started making repayments for missing rent and attorney fees.

Two furnaces, two hot water tanks, etc. if it’s your first property, I personally think taking an “easy” property would be a good way to get your feet wet in the investment world as a trial.

She will also go through a juried criminal trial this coming week, and will more than likely be found guilty and have to serve some jail time.My questions are1.)

The $10k wasn't the issue (though it's a lot of money), it was the now-or-never nature of how I was required to decide, sign their contract, and pay--no trial run, no sample materials of the course--not to mention they have zero mentors physically here in Michigan and don't plan to.I, too, live in the Detroit Metro area so it would be great if you could connect me with your RE agent friend.- Joe   

Ramen and even cereal “diets” (how is that a thing?)

How important is it to have a list of team members before starting out---Should I just pull the trigger on a place and send an offer if it works financially and learn by trial and error? 

The truth is, you could read 100 books and still not know enough because certain things need to be learned through trial-and-error.