Connect with others through here or meetups and REIAs, learn as much as you can from BP and people before spending any money on educational programs or organizations. 

Typical whole life policies are not a good deal but the policies used in "Bank on Yourself" programs are very different and so many folks are clueless.

Derrick what happen with the program?

The program will have clear standards, consistent documentation, solid accounting and other features which we believe are significantly different from the way other turn-key properties are usually offered.If you will send me an email with your basic criteria, I will reply with the outline of this program.

Call me lazy but I don't really have the time to cold call the hundreds of banks (https://www5.fdic.gov/idasp/main.asp) to see if they have a portfolio loan program works for me in the markets I invest in.

There are many "first time" (not having owned a home in 3 years) buying programs that offer assistance with downpayments as well.  

I have done a bit to learn independently, mostly via RE valuation textbooks and web resources, but am seeking your opinions on resources to rapidly learn the fundamentals to catalyze my "wheeling and dealing".

There I worked heavily with single family housing development (rental and for sale), down payment assistance program, acquisition/ rehab of abandoned properties, and overall community development.  

Although it is a federal program the offices are run locally and with different rules. 

In short, the programs you are talking about are "First Time Home Buyer" programs.