We also love podcasts so if any specific episode of the BP shows come to mind let me know! 

Then it sounds like you have your mind made up then right?

There is no refund if you change your mind.

Would love to connect, regardless of real estate experience I know we could all be of value to one another.  

This is so I know if I should keep the person I currently have.

What are things you think a new investor should know when starting out in the area?

I don't know exactly but some kind of % would be fine.

with some training on how to lend.. hopefully a step up from not knowing what they dont know about lending. 

@John Reagan Johnson hope you don't mind a PMC answering, but most of our clients hire us because:1) They live out of state and don't have time & expertise to remote manage2) They don't have the time to manage3) They don't feel they have the necessary expertise and/or don't want to risk learning as they go and making an expensive mistake.Go read Kiosaki's Cash Flow Quadrant book.

Paying off the mortgage can provide peace of mind and simplify retirement, while keeping the debt allows you to leverage your funds for higher returns through investments.