Wow, I must scour a hundred web sites a day it seems.  

So, here is the run down: First, I did pay to be a member of the "Multi-family investor Academy" as a online student and attended 2 conference calls and went into the web site and downloaded materials and read as much information that I had time to.

You can download a PDF copy at https://www.naca.com/Scripts/pdfviewer/web/viewer....

Although I'm not a fan of the "for dummy" series, something in a similar vein by a reputable author, that covers a wide array of sub-topics in the the broad subject of horticulture would be very sweet.

Let them put their reputation on the line as that is what their insurance is for.

Your state has a reputation for being tenant friendly and hostile to landlords.

Check out the CFPB web site and the whistle blower options.

clubID=795&statevalue=TXWhen finding mentors, make sure they have a good reputation within the REIA and other networks.

Your reputation is more important.  

@Jason White Another option to be involved in real estate in a more passive manner than holding properties is to hold notes/mortgages on those properties.Learning how to note invest is also not really passive, but you can find reputable folks who will guide you or manage your portfolio of notes.