Training board member's is just not in my niche.If you have a bent toward education or someone on your team, you will be an invaluable part of every association you manage.  

He's not only educated me with over 30 emails where he reviewed my drawings and coached me along, but he also connected me with the departments I needed to get my permits.

What education should i gain before purchasing my first rental property?

Only you can answer that as it's really an educated guess.Another option would be to get a roommate in every bedroom for more cashflow and use that cashflow to either:1) Save up for next down payment (maybe 20%?)

When you find out the present zoning of the property, the future land use and the local agencies comprehensive plan for how they see the area being developed (all can be done at the local planning office) you will have a much better idea of what you have just bought.If the land could in any way be developed into something more than single family residential lots, i.e. if there is any multi-family or commercial component than I would advise you to hire someone qualified to help you with the site planning of the development.

There are good resources out there for passive investors if you dig a little, focus on your education and build up cash reserves for the upcoming opportunity. 

This book is full of resources and education and if you order before 12/1 you get the best value because it includes ✅ Access to a live Q&A with James and gets his “The Flipping Workbook”✅ Sample Statement of Work✅Buy Box Worksheet✅James's Flipping Calculator✅Core Team Members Worksheet✅Tool Kit✅Glossary of Terms✅One person wins a giveaway: Free Pro Membership, All of Project RE content, Education, and Weekly calls with James & his communityOrder it paperback, hardback, audio, or ebook.

If you use debt to buy the real estate the IRA will incur UBIT so educate yourself on that. 

I am currently doing a lot of research to pass the test and to educate myself as best as I can as if I'm going to do something I want to be the best one there is.With what you said is there still a lot of important information you learn during the class hours, or should I just focus on passing the exam at the end?

The issue is that whatever he does, he's going to need time to educate himself and recommendations on who to trust.