But part of this game is following the Pareto Principle and building in a margin of safety for the big-ticket items. 

I've been reading a lot of articles, watching videos joined different real estate investor sites such as BP.

I've been reading a lot of articles, watching videos joined different real estate investor sites such as BP.

Any links to a beginner's curriculum of study (e.g. the top couple of books to read, or the main topics you should study before jumping in) on the BP site or elsewhere would be much appreciated.And finally:I would love to connect with folks both in my area and out of area, so let's!

I have been doing a LOT of research, visiting various sites online.

There are tremendous resources on this site for you to use.Attend local REIA meetings and connect with like-minded investors: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happeningsRead the Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingListen to the BP Podcasts:https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast

Great that you joined the site!

A Cautionary Tale for Newbies and Not-So-NewbiesThis post is intended to share some observations gained from more than a decade as a real estate investor, and to offer some words of caution for those of you who are new to the game and those of you who have been around for a while.

@James Wise I have the contract on Craigslist and other classified sites, connectedinvestors and every possible fbook group I could find.

Youtube commentators say that kind of thing to people who mess up their favorite video game.