Did you read any books that helped you get started or do you have any recommendations for someone in the education phase of investing? 

Questions #3 - Is there any do or don't advice you could inform me of that would better help me educate myself on how to go about this without wasting time and money on areas that may not be beneficial or helpful?

I got a college education in business that emphasized real estate.  

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookCouple good reads 9 Reasons You Couldn't Find A Buyer For Your Wholesale Deal Don't Start Wholesaling Until You Read This: Wholesale Advice from a Fix and Flipper How to Start Wholesaling: Getting Past The Education and Into the FieldDownload BP’s newest book here some good due diligence in Chapter 10.

The education with which I'm connected has an 8-hour on-line class you can review anytime you want as many times as you want on Market / Property Analysis.

I have been educating myself and devouring the forums on this site and others in preparation for my first REI.  

We just recently relocated back to Cincinnati after living out of state for 5 years (Minneapolis MN) and are thrilled to be back among our friends and family.Our goal with real estate investing is to get educated, and ultimately use a buy and hold strategy to develop a portfolio of 7-10 properties.  

Take just a few days to really educate yourself, then you can look at special niche areas and read some good books for tips and ideas of "how to", but you need to know the basics first. 

Perhaps you could read the guide on "how to screen tenants" in the Education tab good luck! 

Employment and housing sectors have improved in the past year as U.S. unemployment dipped below 5% for the first time in many years.