As to education, what you pick up might be how to deal, you aren't really learning the game because they don't teach the basics of the game, what the rules are or usual and customary aspects of real estate, so much.

The value I see in the $35k is not in the education or coaching (though there is certainly value in that), but the turn-key access to their systems.

Keep at it, and make sure you do all your education now, so when youre ready to pull the trigger on a deal, then you actually will pull the trigger

I am involved with many real estate education groups in the area of Philadelphia.

You will need to get LOTS of education before you start risking everyone's money.

If you've been in CA for any length of time, too, I'm sure that you are well aware of how lawsuit-happy a lot of people are to start with.The state is *so* tenant-friendly that that was one of the big reasons I chose to sell my house there when I left rather than rent it out.I'm not a lawyer but a person who once faced some real issues with a landlord making frequent unauthorized entry, among other things, so I had to learn the law very quickly.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged. http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere http://www.biggerpockets.com/ubg http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Setting up Keyword Alerts How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets 25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessREI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.http://www.realestate.com/advice/buying-your-first-investment-property/ However, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.

I found that there was nothing to be afraid of, with some education and support it is rather simple.

They tend to be very long-term tenants if they don't perform and are frequently interested in buying.  

First and Foremost, I want to thank everyone for their help in this long and educational process.