"Real" real estate education is found in real estate agent and broker courses, both initial licensing and CE, certain colleges and universities, courses offered by legit organizations such as Appraisal Institute, CCIM, BOMA, NAR, CRE, MBA,  etc., textbooks on real estate, real estate law classes, and SOMETIMES in education offered by REIAs.

Any tips or advice for a newbie would be greatly appreciated!

But the quicker you bring one in, the easier it will be for you of course.

Trying to learn it online and apply on your own is risky.

Our ski in/ski out STR in Colorado only went online late Dec. 2023 so my data is very limited.

Any tips on what she should be asking a prospective agent?

What site or course do you recommend to start the Maryland Real estate sales person journey?

Furthermore, the only way I can pay him is giving him my credit card info over the phone....he has no online payment portal.I still owe him for the inspection ($435) and am hesitant to hire another inspector right now.

It doesn't seem like you can find lenders online that advertise wholesale lending for commercial like on the residential side.

And of course don't force him into it just to please you (I'm sure you're not)When you verify that he is truly serious about starting the journey, I would 1) have him do an extensive goal-setting plan.