I'll try to answer your questions as best I can but keep in mind I'm new too.1) In my opinion, Mentor (someone who is where you are trying to get in the next 12 months) and meet 3 or 4 mentors if you can.Lawyer who will answer as many questions as you can come up with and has the heart of a teacher...also has to focus on real estate lawTax Advisor who, again, will answer as many questions as you can come up with and has the heart of a teacher...has to focus on preparing investment properties' tax returns2)  I've been talking to a lot of people (friends, acquaintances, strangers) lately and I'm just making sure they are currently investing in real estate and they are 1 or 2 steps ahead of me on the journey (own 5-20 units and self-manage).  

My biggest debt is student loans, but I am a teacher and those will be forgiven in about four years.

My sensei was Barney Zick of Houston TX, best "note teacher ever."

I do not believe you get something for nothing, so I am also looking to trade time and resources for knowledge and mentorship with anyone who has the hart of a teacher.  

My wife is currently a long term substitute teacher. 

Professionals do not begin in the realm as "investors" pulling deals as a system or under a program, they begin with a real education, formally instructed by qualified teachers, you can find these types at licensed real estate schools in every state, you also find specific classes at colleges and universities. 

But travel has been my BEST teacher, hands down.

She is a public school teacher.

:) I've had a good teacher - the market - which has caned me a few times over the years!

Realistically, could you have learned Math from the book without a teacher?