You will be surprised how fast a year can go by.

Your situation is surprisingly common.

Listen to the Bigger Pockets Real Estate rookie podcast... you wont understand everything at first, but soon it becomes like your own language.Meet people in your area... network.. tell them what you are interested in, you will be so surprised that people will show up to help you.Avoid the gurus who ask for money, PRO membership here gives you access to the webinars and calculators you need to make it make sense for a newbie. 

You will be surprised to find that sometimes the banks release their liens if they write off the mortgage.

It's no surprise that rental prices have gone up.

When you swing for the fences, don't be surprised if you strike out. 

One thing that caught me by surprise was a "Broker Transaction Fee" of $995 in the buyer's agreement I was told to sign.

  - Always do a sewer scope during inspection.  90% of the "major" expenses Ive seen that surprise new buyers are sewer related.   

She ended up inviting me inside, and we talked about her wishes for a different agent, which was surprising and even a bit wild, considering I had just gotten my license and had no business cards on hand.

Were there any surprises or challenges during the bidding process?