My full time job is what allows me to afford investing, but my end game is buy and hold multi families to provide myself passive income "get out of the rat race."

Any suggestions, tips, advice, don't-do lists that you all can offer would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think it is wrong to not "donate that $700 for the betterment of society" on a tenant that is going to end up buying and be out of the rent game in 3 years anyway.

I typically will forgive some of the interest or penalties, then use a 10Bii calculator or online calculator to come up with an amortization schedule.

Instead get  a longer listing commitment and then if the seller wants expensive advertising you might offer in allowed in your state ( and with your brokerages approval) to rebate their advertising expenses at closing they pay for with legitimate receipts off the commission.This way if a seller pulls off the market,goes with another brokerage mid listing, or tries to cancel early etc. the seller will be out the money and have skin in the game.

Once I just into this game I was surprised about how many people in my circles were involved in REI in some way or another.

Hi Drew, any recommendations and or tips on the best way to take the courses, etc.  

I would like to take this time and ask if anyone has any tips or suggestions please reach out as all advice is helpful.

One tip that I haven't put into practice but perhaps you'll find useful as you're starting out: hit up the local library for books.

Otherwise the cheap option is using a website online with the attorney going back and forth answering your basic questions.You might could see an attorney local  in person for 200 to 300 depending on rates for the area and bring all your documentation.