I am a very novice investor who is big on doing research and a little apprehensive when it comes to risk, but we are willing to take it to the next level. 

It is difficult for novice/part time investors to ever compete against professionals.  

I begin investing in Tax Liens approximately two weeks ago.I felt the timing was right and since I had some disposable income, I jump head first.I am still relatively new to the area and invited a fellow business colleague to assist me with accessing some of the areas; well a partnership was born.Although, we are both novices in Tax Liens, I have a solid background in researching topics (mostly taxation) but I digress so I felt mildly comfortable with this sudden turn of events.Well in hindsight, my partner and I management style is vastly different; this is where the slight nuisances started to appear. 

Just hang around and you'll see the most novice investor getting feedback from seasoned pros.

They're great for getting information from people who are both novice and seasoned investors. 

Do you guys have any recommendations for reading material for a novice investor?

I am a novice investor and am going through the process of finding a lender.

NYC is not for the novice at heart. 

In the absence of that, would you consider a sale & using the proceeds to purchase a property that is easier for a novice investor?  

As a GC here in LA with years in the design-build residential market, I’ll caution quickly about novice addition speculation.