The best asset you can have is knowledge, you really won't have that until you learn real estate instead of systems or niche approaches of dealing in real estate, that's not an education, it's simply information. :) 

("Appraised" value is not a magic number; it's educated guesswork).Though not quite so profitable, if your desired cap rate seems unattainable by paying 100% market value, it might still be got, as long as you're paying the Seller no more than 80% of its expected value.

Our culture does not do a good job with educating people about the costs and work involved in housing others (and popular images are of greedy landlord and goofy ones like Mr Ferley and such from 3's Company). 

@Will Anderson What an exciting financial and educational journey you're on.

I have been getting education through podcasts, books, and anything i can get my hands on...I am all in!  

Still have it today and was the best education I could have hoped for.  

I live in southern cali and just now studying for my RE license mainly for the education and access to MLS and things like that.

I'd suggesting avoiding REIA groups that charge membership fees, or any "educational" classes that people are trying to make money at.  

You can get years worth of education here from the nicest folks who just want to help others succeed.  

If you end up not wanting to be a Realtor, fine, the education alone is worth it!