They are reserved for players in the inner circle and established closers.

Looking for a "diet" of books for understanding the broader RE industry and all the moving parts and key players.

Plus, they are the players in your market so they'll know what strategies are working and why. 

I agree with you; much like football players who go crazy when scoring a touchdown, these folks should "act like they've been there before".

Similar to when a football coach tells his players to "remember this feeling" after a big loss so they can assure it won't happen again, remember the feeling of having to pay rent and be sure that in your (hopefully near) future you can transition to the other side of things as a landlord and escape the tenant life.I think for now you need a serious look at your situation. 

As a Minor Leaguer, my/our wages are nowhere near enough to put away in savings as I must feed myself at fast food restaurants (the beauty of a minor league baseball player).

Then there were some kids that just collected the cards of their favorite players and didn't care as much about their value.  

What are some of the questions you would ask to find out who the real players are?

First learn, then meet the players, then fill the needs.

Will is exactly right if all the players are from one state.