Bigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking. 

Just ignore them.No one can deny how pointless it is to be on a wholesaling forum—designed to teach, educate, encourage, and support you—only to respond to a genuine cry for help with negativity or by telling someone to give up.

And I suspect the other larger players in CA had the same arrangements we did. 

Perhaps they are scared of other bad players stealing their info?

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%?)

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.