I look forward to talking with you guys as I am new and have lots of questions, to go along with a lot of determination to succeed and educate myself in this business. 

I've educated myself with other niches so if you're interested in bringing what you know to the table maybe we can build together. 

Blake,Think about starting your journey with Wholesaling.Not only will Wholesaling will allow you to consistently locate the most discounted properties in your community, it will also give you the fastest infusion of cash.Be careful of education.

I'm a frequent customer and they know I buy real estate which is why they asked.

I've been a member for two years and have found the education and networking invaluable.

You may however still want to go the TK route for your first investment and think of the TK process as an education cost.

Consider joining the local investor group, CFRI...Lot's of great people and terrific education opportunities...www.cfri.net

Believe me when I say I am committed- I signed up with RD education (learning experience in itself and maybe I can share that with you all one day) last month. 

My main question that I'm hoping to get some advice on is if it would be smarter to use the money we've saved up to purchase a primary residence here in Los Angeles so we're no longer throwing money away on rent, or if we should use that money to invest in a rental property, either locally or some place like Atlanta, where I'm familiar with the market and is definitely more affordable.We're trying to educated ourselves and gain as much advice as possible before making any serious decisions.Thanks in advance for any advice!

I've read a few books and listen to the BiggerPockets podcast frequently trying to learn what I can.I have begun writing up a goal, plan and putting together spreadsheets using a lot of information from The ABC's of Real Estate Investing.