I'm 30 years old now and have been working smart and hard for almost 10 years now in the real estate business.  

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since your interest lies with wholesaling, I added a guide and a couple podcasts for you to read, listen to and fill the void, while waiting for a local mentor and networking connections.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/10/09/getting-started-real-estate-wholesaler/ (BP Podcast 091 Wholesaling)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/10/31/wholesaling-podcast-mike-nelson/ (BP Podcast 042 - wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

My credit question, not being a smart azz really, in your compliance, on stress testing a loan, do you drop the credit score in your model and if so, how far, by points or %.

Thanks Raymond:-) how do you do that on a smart phone?

You're really smart and you should have started your own business long                               ago."                     

I would be more comfortable with a mortgage I could pay in its entirety without tenants, and having a tenant would just be a nice help on my mortgage (therefore allowing me to put the money I save back towards the property / maintenance).Am I being overly cautious or am I being a smart investor?

Flips (or day job) to buy rentals is the smart move...

There is so much good information, lessons learned, and most importantly smart individuals who aren't looking to gain, but just to lend a helping hand.

If it is a law office that will be handling the assignment do I need to be aware of any sales techniques they  will try on me when I bring them the paper work (I imagine the  lawyer puffing a cigar sitting back in his chair staring at me with a bright white suite on looking like colonel sanders and  saying with a serious look on his face "son , I do believe you need to get x and x insurance because there are lot's of scams out there, protect yourself and don't be another  statistic, while you're at it you need to buy Advance Contract Performance Processing so your paper work does not get lost or something, it really is the smart thing to do in my professional opinion.

You have to take smart risks.