If you can not convince yourself why "this" method is better for you to do than "that" method you are simply winging it.So answer that question if you would, and lets see if your choices are sound ones!

Why real-estate:Like Robert Kiyosaki says in Rich Dad, Poor Dad, owning a house is a sentimental choice for many, while real estate investors stress the importance of securing assets, not liabilities.

Hey Jonathan,I'm a local wholesaler here in Houston as well.Patten Title Company & Patriot Title are popular choices since they deal with a lot of investment deals.Best of luck!

I’m not saying out of state is a bad choice, but perhaps for your first deal, get something you can drive to right away, get used to managing a property and tenants.As far as investing in LA, I would say, go with a multi unit first choice.

Also, Rich Dad Poor Dad is a classic and was beneficial to me in developing the right mindset to start investing.

First I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the BP community especially those who take the time out of their busy schedule to write posts that would come to be immensely beneficial to new investors like me.

I’d love to be able to create connections, and not only learn a little from these agents but I’d like to see what deals they can send which could be beneficial to my success as well.

My wife made the floor plan and made all the design choices that made it sell so quickly.

Once you get into the bigger commercial stuff, you can purchase software specific to your asset class of choice, but still make sure you understand what that software is doing and don't just blindly plug in numbers.Hope this helps a bit. 

If you live in a no income tax state it is reasonable and there are plenty of choices, if you live in a high tax state like CA it doesn't matter and may actually be better to also invest in a high tax state because you get credit for taxes paid to other states on your state income taxes.However there may be better deals in states that do have taxes but you'll be fine with or without them.