While investment groups are good, I also recommend you also schedule lunch/beer/coffees with a range of active professionals across the spectrum: brokers, title, CPA, small contractor, attorney, etc.  

PROP 10 IS OPPOSED BY A BROAD, BIPARTISAN COALITION.

Beacon on Broad

Think broadly: this could range from finding great deals to working with people, financing to building a brand, and anything in between.I'll start the ball rolling with two of mine:1.

On the other end of the spectrum, spreads for 10 year "Tier II" deals (80% LTV / 1.25x DSCR) are 157-177 over the 10Y (4.54% - 4.74%).

Hi, I’m trying to educate myself on real estate investing (I know that’s a broad statement).

LOL @Bill Brandt, That's OK I've got broad shoulders (and a thick head as my wife says). 

These broad based questions are sometimes hard to respond to.

So as much as I am always singing leverage's praises, I actually like a spectrum of leverage to free and clear - I know people who would refi a property when they're 95 years old because 'the equiiitttyyyyy' but most people aren't going to want to be that active with their investments in their golden years.

Sure, but you're not going to find good one, especially at the low end of that price spectrum.