And you weren't looking at the books?

We ran no numbers, and at the time I had read zero books on real estate investing.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

So I'm new to REI as well but a book I heard about that is supposed to be amazing for wholesaling is: "If you can't wholesale after this: I've got nothing for you" by Todd Flemming.

From reading books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, and other RE investing books, taking online classes and courses, going to meet-up groups.

All the books, coaching, webinars, seminars...they all paint a picture that anyone can do this with little to no money and poor credit.

I've been listening to BP podcasts and reading real estate books every day since that day.The genesis of my motivation to learn about real estate is to find a smarter way to utilize my excess capital to generate passive income.

I didn't know much about real estate at the time but I wanted to learn from him because he seemed to know a lot about it, so I thought he could guide me through the process by having me invest in a place and showing me how it is done.

We have stood by the principles Brandon discusses in his book requiring applicants to have credit scores 600+ and gross monthly (or combined monthly) income of roughly three times the rent. 

Thanks everyone for sharing your insights, they have been very helpful in guiding my research the past couple days!