Anyone asking for money up-front should raise a red flag.Listen to the BP Podcasts, attend local REIA and if you can most likely find a mentor there for free.

And of course being a true red blooded RE flipper I went right out and bought an airplane LOL.But point is she does both and kills it...

@Kevin TolentinoWelcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community aboutyour seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.You are here at the Forum, but, should raise your mouse to the top and explore the otherheadings displayed.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums,Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze, Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs, webinars and the myriad of bookrecommendations.REI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

What other red flags have other investors seen that I should pay closer attention? 

I was thinking about going to join Keller Williams or possibly Red Door.

For example, a $5,000 mistake or unknown variable on an $80,000 ARV house can put you in the red.

As a real estate investor could be dealing with multiple sale transactions over time, having a real estate agent license could save the 3% of sale every time, however, i read that the seller being the agent could be a red flag for the buyer. 

Save every red cent possible.

I don't submit 1099s without an SSN/EIN because of the red flags and potential penalties, but that's just me and I am not an accountant.  

This has been a red flag for me and a reason it has been hard to pull the trigger.