I've been binging webinars, youtube vids, podcasts, reading these forums and attending networking events in my area to educate myself and meet like minded people that I can learn from, possibly shadow and evenutally/possibly work on a deal with.  

I would check out the free guides under the Education tab above. 

How much work are you willing to do, etc, etc...My two cents; I prefer to be leveraged and want to use the velocity of money to my advantage.

@John you guys attacked and are not offering anything educational or value.

I'm writing this post to ask the community for their recommendation on how I can get started, and how my girlfriend and I can better educate ourselves on our journey through real estate investing.

Good day BP community!First, I would like to thank you in advance for reading my discussion, and for any words of wisdom you are willing to share.I am a Southern California homeowner looking to invest out of the state...

To get your wife interested in real estate investment might happen well if you educate her on the things you learn. 

However,  I think it might be possible for you to buy another property, use additional leverage when purchasing it, and get some of your equity out that could then be used for the improvements that you want to make on the fixer-upper.

I'm not sure about the long-term economy of my hometown, Price Utah.The biggest and most reliable employment in Price is with education as we have a branch of USU in town and various grade schools. 

Some leverage.