Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

I have a friend who works for a well-renowned construction company in our town who has offered to be our general contractor at a discount (only charging us 8% vs. the standard 15%) and "teach me the ropes"/make the right introductions so that I can repeat this on my own in the future. 

As the Company is working to cure title in a reasonablydiligent manner, the Company would not be liable for any loss to the Claimant.

What are the snares or harder things to navigate that aren't so obvious when starting?

I'm currently looking to build my social media presence to start connecting with real estate investors, which hopefully leads to having committed investors willing to invest capital in a property with me.

Want to start practicing analyzing multifamily deals.

I can help you talk through some initial code and site planning issues as you get started.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

If you are buying from a major oil company, their contracts are extremely complex.

As a broker who’s talked to a lot of lenders, I really appreciate the ones who take the time to explain things clearly and manage expectations right from the start.