One of the things that I read was to get a real estate license to help with breaking into the investing game, which is one of the reasons why I did it.  

At some point, any investor will neet to have skin in the game. 

Rental real estate is a "get rich slow" game. 

I would stay far away from Fayetteville if you're playing the long game

In the end I'm aiming to continue this game for the long haul, not interested in selling, only acquiring. 

Use an HML and get creative with your friends/family on the skin in the game down payment that most HML require.

I have been investing for a couple of years and now looking to up my game.  

I've watched countless videos on YouTube with Grant Cardone and many other big time real estate investors but I'm still in that stage where I feel like I don't quite know enough to approach my first deal confidently.

This game is all about using leverage. 

The name of the game in the abandoned/vacant property business is to confirm everything).With these folks you almost always have to follow up consistently until they are ready to pull the trigger.