The key is know the best neighborhoods and that takes work or someone you can trust to guide you.

Other paper plays have created more equity that, again, I've largely guided into notes.

Welcome @Nancy Finley   While dont haev much expereince as an agent; BP did write a  guide ; The Real Estate Agent’s Ultimate Guide to Working with Investorshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/21/topics/9860... 

Here are a few recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing Check out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/ If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select that person below.

The potential for making mistakes is still there, but limited by having a good real estate agent who knows the area and will guide you to properties that fit your criteria.  

They also know joist, truss and beam spans. 

Welcome to BP @Kevin Coleman  Since yo are new be sure to check out the Ultimate Free Beginners Guide

I am just getting into the commercial game and am very interested in finding a used copy of Ray Alcorn's "DEALMAKER's GUIDE"At the present, I am tight on cash to buy a new copy.

(My mentor told me Utah but after a bit of research i find Nevada or Wyoming LLC's better)I would appreciate it if i can get some advice/opinions to guide me in the right direction.

Fill in the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.