A good REI bookkeeper will help keep everything neat and tidy throughout the year so you can make educated decisions in your business, potentially creating more profit and less headaches.

Write it up to an education, spend some time sharpening your support team (particularly in the trades) and start thinking about how you can do it again!

I'm a newbie to real estate investing and am currently focused on intensely educating myself about all things real estate and how to get my first rental property deal.

@John Lasher I considered it education, like a certification or minor degree.

I am wondering if my first steps (past the education part) is to build a network of people who know, like, and trust me through posting content like newsletters, articles, podcasts, doing webinars, going to events (aka build my brand), or, should I first find a deal and then raise capital?

Education is very important, so I’m taking a self taught course to get my permit tech certificate.

I'd also like to plug Bigger Pockets because of what you said, but also because of the education you can get here on the website.  

If you’re passionate about windows and doors, you should naturally have plenty to share based on your expertise and the questions your customers ask.The main purpose of your blog should be to educate and provide value to potential customers.

Research ways to use your education to help you qualify for a loan (did you know that some lenders allow college credits that translate directly to the line of work the graduate pursues to count towards work experience, accelerating the borrower's opportunity to get approved for a mortgage?). 

Quote from @Mack Lengel: Lots of great information out there and investing in good education will always give great ROI.