I believe 100% that with today's books, podcasts, internet sites, etc. you need little-to-no FORMAL education to become successful at real estate and if you spend those four years applying yourself to that trade, you will be WAY better off than most of your peers entering real estate at that time.

But if that’s what you are interested in don’t stop just because the internet said so.It is imperative that you keep reading and listening to podcasts.

Buy a place that you can afford and meets the criteria for a good rental property and a good roommate layout.

It seems like a lot of blog posts on here and the internet in general, say to basically have a “cash” (sometimes wholesaling) offer ready to go when you start marketing.

In the same line of thinking - does anyone find value in providing a top down layout view of a rental as a photo?

Unfortunately there will always be noise and hubbub when it comes to internet forums (especially Facebook pages). 

There is a lot of information on the internet that relies on hype factor, so checking with more than one resource to make sure you are not overbuying based on shiny object syndrome might be a good idea.

Also really avoid all the pseudo science here, essentially no one knows the health effects of chemicals especially people who are speaking through the internet megaphone.

For complicated situations like that, make sure they go with someone knowledgeable and well referred; this isn't one you send to the new guy with 3 months of industry experience at the internet lender. 

Or base on the rough layout from memories add a bathroom in the master bedroom?