If you want to start making money here is my advice: get an education, find a partner if funding is an issue, and approach your dealings in an honest, fair, and legal manner.

Read, read, read, learn, educate, listen to podcasts, as hard as you can to learn how you can achieve your goal.  

Thanks for your very educational reply. 

Then ~$75 each to take the test.Your also going to have continuing education cost.

Eric,This site is definitely an education in itself. 

Is there an independent path to educate oneself and still be successful?

I am starting to look into educating myself on the potentials and pitfalls of getting into real estate.  

This is the price of education. ---------------   OR  -------------------------STEP ONE:  Spend the next 2 years learning contracts, contract law, assignments, communication and negotiation skills, area property values, etc. until you're ready to put a deal together. 

we joined Success Path to learn about real estate investing and have been working on our education for about six months.

Full of new information I was ready to spout off and 'educate' sellers about.