There seems to be a theme of checking numbers/ensuring the deal is up to par, but I assume experience is required to do so and thus, I will take a pass until that experience is gained.  

A few easy starter classics (especially with the buy and hold theme) are Buy and Hold (Schumacher) and what to do while you hold Landlording (Leigh Robinson) often at most libraries or a few bucks used... then build on to more recent books based on your themes and interest...

@Steven Bays Hey Steven, First of all, congratulations on the upcoming wedding!

I attended my first REI group meeting last Wed and before I did just printed some business cards in my inkjet.

i attended the REI of Orange County last Wed evening and it was great.  

The one main theme I have seen over the years and in my current role as a funder of these assets in the wholesale condition before they are bought by out of state folks.. is that OOS folks really need to concentrate on the better properties in a given area.. where I see heart ache is when they try to buy super low value homes IE the cheapest homes on the market in a given MSA.. not realizing that the tenant is also the hardest to manage.. just moving up 20k on the purchase will put them in a much better position to have a decent tenant and in an area that is not so tough to own in. 

But I don't think many you don't know are just going to give you cash for any deal you might want to do, at your discretion..Thanks for the shoutout Account Closed 's fixer next Wed in W Oakland.

So it sounds like a common theme is dropping inventory. 

The recurring theme on Bigger Pockets is how hard it is to find a good property manager.

Hey We're having a networking event this wed on 30th...