I've seen some courses online for over $1000 that look shady.

Quickbooks has an Online version or a Desktop version that can be installed on your computer.Do you need an accounting software to flip houses?

If you are only using the 50% rule to calculate cash flow you will probably get into trouble.Alot of other variables come into play like age of roof, windows, HVAC, etc. 

It's like saying I play "sports." 

I also like a lot of water sports like surfing, paddle boarding, diving, fishing, foraging, and motorcycle stuff.I can justify the expense because I call it a "business facility" and I always love going in there to organize and play with my toys or work on my ventures.

My current real estate goals include connecting with local investors, providing value to others in any way I can, while continuing to learn my local market and more about real estate investing in general.If I’m not currently out physically looking at real estate Monday – Wednesday in or around Columbus; then I’m searching for it online, or reading about it.

I’m new to realty an would really like to play around with, an start getting a better eye for potential good deals.

Common options are cash, personal check, money order, online payment, etc.

Which is why wholesaling is much more attractive because it requires no start up money. you cannot successfully wholesale as its taught by on line courses or gurus if you have no money.. the successful wholesalers be them licensed or not spend THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS a month on lead generation.you could bird dog.. maybe with limited captial just gas and a phone and hope that you get paid. 

Again, I'm trying to play it safe.