Plus, join one of the weekly webinars hosted by Brandon Turner (under Education on the top tab).  

I've been a "lurker" on the site for a couple years now, but have recently started to get serious about my REI education and am interested in buying a SFH rental to start out with.

You can get more localized information/advice.You should start with listening to podcasts, going through the various books recommended by a multitude of investors on posts throughout BP and getting a good education. 

This is the best place to find valuable education regarding Real estate.

But from my understanding from my education what your confusing yourself is most likely going to be further down your investing game.

I have been working with the agent for a couple months, and he seems like an upright guy, but he told me today that as a representative to both parties, he doesn't have a fiduciary responsibility to either party.

I suggest you start with the free guides under the education tab above.

@Rashad Jones Jennings CCIM is the best commercial education out there.

Starting my real estate investing education. 

Also when I first started studying RE in 2016 I thought it would be smart to start a Facebook group for wholesalers in the New Orleans market, so I did, and today my Facebook group is at about 500 members strong.