I'm new to the forum and getting myself prepared to go down the road to financial freedom via RE!

I think I would recommend you really pick a niche and stick with it.You jump into Texas for a "slam dunk" but then find out it's not a slam dunk, which indicates you aren't quite prepared to determine what constitutes a good deal.

Step one - in preparation I ordered a separate planner strictly for this goal.

If you can figure out for yourself what can go wrong, then you will be prepared for when it inevitably does.

Then since COVID is heating up around here because folks are so resistant to getting vaxed, I could stay in and prepare the docs for the small claims case. also, i heard that a collection agency has the power to garnish wages.

You aren’t prepared to make an offer until you looked at, examined, run the numbers on, followed up on, watched who bought, made money, lost money, etc on 100 properties.  

I am preparing the house to be an Airbnb by the Bay.

I'm going to make sure I'm well prepared next go around.

Just looking for tips and advice as to what i can do to prepare or possibly get started in this career path. 

The most effective ways to prepare for unforeseen (and seen) expenses:-Work with an investor-friendly agent that doesn't have "commission breath" and will push you to buy any property regardless of condition.