Note: I live in CA and only invest in ABQ so my local knowledge is not as valuable as folk who live there.

I have so many of your books and cannot begin to tell you how valuable they are in my eyes.

However, when you do, you are essentially saying "I have nothing more valuable than 4.5% to do with this money for the next 20 years."

This forum is a wealth of valuable knowledge, and has helped many many people.

But the business consulting skills translates well to deal analysis, capital raising, and networking...all valuable skills in REI. 

I did learn some valuable lessons from that so I suppose it’s not out of the question.

The bookstore has some great books and the podcast is full of valuable information.Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

I think the first thing a wholesaler should do is come to a firm, deep understanding that your promises and your integrity are the two most valuable things you will ever have in this business, and to commit now to never do anything to compromise either one, even if it ends up being very expensive for you to fulfill your word.Why state such an obvious thing?  

By meeting as many people as you can in the industry, you are given the opportunity to learn super valuable insight into starting out in real estate, as well as opportunities to collaborate.

Not saying is a bad way to go, since something is more than nothing, and the experience of going through the entire transaction is very valuable with experience on your side, but I believe it makes sense to do both paths.