Most people I know aren’t interested in real estate and don’t share my passion for learning about it, which makes me feel a bit isolated.

@Jack MiHi Jack,Seeing that this is "Post # 1" for you - I have to ask, how familiar are you with syndications and real estate investing in general?  

Taking a break from real estate for a while - it's been a stressful 2 years.

But, when it comes time to put the deal together and pull the trigger: work with a seasoned real estate attorney with experience in structuring seller carry deals and writing thorough docs that cover your interests, especially with the "what ifs?"

My wife and I are looking to go further into real estate investing.

Then you can read a more in-depth book like The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss.2.

Its not real complicated, its purely a math question.

I want to invest in real estate by using the BRRRR method.

Greetings,I am currently involved in various regions within California, fouces in Fix&Flips.

Upside: you have now a loan that is being paid down, equity that is growing, and probably some appreciation and you learn how to buy and manage real estate which in itself makes it worth it!