There is a ton of supplemental resources on the website to help you with your first few flips.

The income from the properties would initially be used a a supplement to my income but I would eventually like to have real estate become my primary source of income.  

For example, taking 100 acres and making a city, how cool would that be.The good thing about REI is, its flexible and you can do it as a supplement to whatever your doing now or plan to do.I say do both, maybe use your RE license to fund your education in architecture.I agree wholeheartedly with @Ryan Koehler , especially if one is independent.

My goal is to supplement my pension upon retirement by creating enough cash flow to sustain my family without having to lose quality time with them.I am eager to learn and look forward to engaging investors here.

Supplement that with all the things you can learn here on BP and you'll be good to go before you know it.

Finding a local REIA is a great way to supplement your learning along with the BP podcast and forums.

But I think the answer depends on your goals.Ive been reading "The Unofficial Guide To REI" which does a good job at explaining how to build a plan around your goals.The starting investment is only a part of the equation.Do you want passive income and retire early or just something to supplement your social security?

Remeber to under estimate the power of a regular "job" income to supplement your REI.

Zachary Scott Add a window unit to supplement the underperforming A/C.

With the help of BP, and some supplemental reading in the way of Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Intelligent Investor, and a few guides to Real Estate Investing; I've gone from financially illiterate to reading at probably a second grade level.