Your question is a broad one, and you give little about yourself.

@Josh Taylor Private money and legit are very broad terms.

To the casual observer who focuses on other asset classes some read a story, see a few struggling properties, and paint broad brush strokes.

I agree with the broad sentiment here.

And didn't agree with sending first mailers out to broad equity list.Took the plunge on 5000 wholesaling inc course few years back and though didn't find it that helpful for several reasons I'll discuss below, had no intention of giving a bad review about it until few days ago when I decided to get back into the off market and realized some of the documents included in the course I didn't have - (sales contract wholesale inc uses and the lease option course by joe mccall which was promoted as an add on to join the program at that time).

As for your 2nd question, way to broad for anyone to answer. 

David Greene says cash flow and appreciation are on a spectrum. 

My explanation barely scratches the surface but the broad strokes should get you there.If you like, we have a call about this to walk you through it all.

Of course, your question is very broad and can definitely change depending on your ultimate goals. 

I raft guided the French Broad all through college.