Others have all hit the nail on the head but going to reiterate.

If you are headed into retirement, my way would still be way safer than your plan.

Y'all don't want to learn what or how it happened, all y'all do is look at the title and  beat a SO over the head with it.

Meetups + books + podcasts are the way to go, but meetups are the most crucial to your confidence level and to know people like you do this every day.I agree with @Nathan Gesner on the heads up, when you say you are new and want help, everyone has a pitch, that's why meetups are so good - most have no pitch, just networking, unless it's run by a hard money lender.I have a couple friends who invest in the Lehigh Valley that I can connect you with when the time comes.

If they don't show up on time to my appointment - DQ'd in my head already before I give a tour.I also collect all rent in one check, I do not split the check up.

If you clear your head to the idea that it is possible to lose money, but that there are ways to mitigate the possible downsides, you will be much more likely to take action. 

I can't wrap my head around believing that has any seriousness in it what so ever.

I thought it would be extremely formal guys with briefcases and way over my head. i felt it rapidly grew my network, knowledge basis, and confidence that has propelled me to be successful in acquiring 300+ units over the last 4 years. 

in some markets thats only 3 or 4 transactions.. to me of course I am highly biased because I started as an agent at 18 and got my brokers at 20 and only worked for myself the last 48 years.. having access to MLS and list my own deals more than pays for any over head.

We will "data dump" off top of head, because we live this, it's our ever waking life to be informed.