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.

If you plan on doing that yourself be prepared to go through hoop after hoop to get a passing inspection.

Trying to prepare for tax season. 

Welcome to the BiggerPockets forums and thanks for sharing.What are you doing now to prepare for the next investment?

But be patient wherever you're looking and be prepared to roll up your sleaves and make some improvements (and add value); sweat equity is a beautiful thing.

Yes, the house is in on my street and I am prepared to move  down the street for a year. 

Im prepared now to do a better background check for the next tenant. 

Well let me say this, if you can withstand this downturn by preparing for the harsh winter like squirrels do with nuts, you can survive this.  

I need to find someone locally I can talk to about thisI think this would be a good step to prepare for while going to auctions