This business, especially when you're starting, can really wear you and your family down.This is my second attempt to get through to you on some things it's obvious to me you haven't considered, or else you wouldn't be considering such a clearly flawed, low-probability-of-success investment plan. 20K is just not enough for any sort of realistic down payment AND reserve you'll need to go into this.

So far, I've only looked up The CE Shop (Google's first result).I work in commercial banking and have worked on some CRE deals over the years, so I am familiar with some RE laws & terminology, but would still opt to do everything I can (i.e. educational materials/courses) before attempting the exam.Any suggestions and/or leads would be greatly appreciated!

If they are, send them letters and attempt to contact by other means.

I have attempted 3 times in one day. 

It is my opinion, after 40 years of successful real estate investment experience, that most investors seek the WRONG type of real estate education.Learning specific techniques and strategies associated with a particular type of real estate activity, is an attempt to shortcut the acquisition of a foundation of general real estate knowledge, which takes more time.

So, what is your approach and do you even attempt to ask...?

@Corby Goade I have been making every attempt and getting the issue resolved.

@Jose Guzman if you can manage it family wise, ie if you and your wife think you can do it, you can attempt a live in flip (buy a value add property and fix it up, live in it at least 2 years, sell and pay $0 of capital gains tax due to the 121 Exclusion) of house hack (buy a small multi, live in one unit and rent out the others; maybe a house for the fam and an ADU as the rental).

For this reason I've started looking out of state.I'm presently spending time on BP attempting to network with people, reading their materials, and listening to their podcasts, but as we all know that first step is the most difficult.

Please see my attempt at @ing you.