Sounds like a good start @Elijah Jay DangerfieldI'd say in addition to reaching out to local investors, go to local meetups (download meetup app) and network there.

@Garret Ball  I just downloaded an Excel add-on template from ganttexcel.com. 

Start by downloading Credit Karma, I've raised my score by 100 points within a year!

Owning / Operating rental properties is a job,, maybe not 9-5 but a job.Invest / Own in your nearby surrounding area to start, you will need to be hands on.Take classes in landlord tenant / property management so you understand what the laws are and how you need to comply to operate. download landlord tenant laws for your state you have properties in. 

These things will tend to keep people living in an area, and attract new talent.for some government data, that can be ard to read, check here:http://www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Downloads/Pages/Hous...They have some historic market trends in certain markets back to the 70's.From personal learning in the past, ie. bad purchase timing even with good prices, watch your numbers. 

I did download Richest Man in Babylon.

I am downloading it to my phone now and will save it until I am working on my flip house this weekend.

You can go back to 1997 and download the data to csv and then run your own market analysis.

Download the podcasts and run through them.

Then, download the BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide and start reading some more!!