Specific topics I need help with are: should I look into majoring in business as related to real estate (perhaps getting an MBA) or is this a waste of time, when should I try to buy my first property (as in how much money should I be looking to spend), what type of property would be best (apartment building for rent, SFH, wholesale, etc), what banks would be best to get a loan from should I need one, business and real estate books/ebooks I should read, and the pitfalls/rookie mistakes beginners make. 

Most likely, I will contribute to these expenses with my own money but I plan on opening a separate bank account for anything related to the house.

If the wind blows heavily, I used to live in Houston and now in Colorado-both high wind areas, it can easily peel at least several courses off.Low wage workers, and let's face it roofers are relatively low wage, are NOT CAREFUL in their work habits.

Look at tax free accounts such as Roth IRAs/401ks and health savings accounts and do your investments there - much smarter move. 

For investments that are relatively static and singular in nature - shares of a private placement for example - the services of a self-directed IRA custodian can be sufficient. 

How does a relatively newer solo-investor compete with these types of owners/investors who really don't seem to care what they make - and are just plopping down cash all over the place?

“Large” tracts in or near Raleigh is a relative term.

The 10 loan limit is related to the secondary market, so if you have more than ten personal loans, you at that point may want the LLC to get business / commercial terms as opposed to personal / residential terms. 

So keep track of expenses related to your search, but if you don't purchase, you can't deduct for them.

Many locals that left due to power issues,  health etc are coming back.