I've been stuck at phase one for a while now...I've read the posts, I've read the articles, watched the videos, and so on, and so forth.

Reading and watching  blogs and YouTube videos If anyone can possibly give any solid advice for a beginner looking to network and retain more information of how to create a solid foundation of starting it would be great!

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.You mentioned an interest in rentals and I added a guide for your review.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I watched Dustin Hahn's videos but when it came to the Total Freedom Business, I couldn't afford to pay $2000 to learn how to use Philipinnos to look for properties.

Or we can go online and watch videos, read, test it on the software you have and make it work.

In my free time I enjoy reading, drawing, and playing video games.I look forward to getting to know you all.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you expressed an interest in flips, I added the guide belowhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

You must take risks, but, ensure that they are calculated risks.Below are some links to get you started. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rules https://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Here is a link to a video and article I posted about how to complete a 1099-misc.

Take an inventory, take pictures, video, whatever you can.