But I just can't seem to get past this invisible wall of me overthinking things and becoming "stage struck" when its time to start talking to people and making moves. 

I am in the fresh stages of basic real estate education so I look forward to learning more from this community! 

this is a great site for the info you seek and need. newbie here too. just wished to introduce myself. formerly from washington, dc, i'm just getting started in the staging arena in california and i'm looking to make some connections as well. thanks and sincerely, sydney

I am an elementary teacher and recently finished a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction.

In other words, the seller substitutes himself in the place of a bank or some other institutional lender.When you develop the skills to negotiate and purchase properties using this type of financing, you’ll be setting the stage for some very lucrative profits that the average investor doesn’t even know about.

In the early stages of securing financing and making contacts.

I am in Tallahassee as well, and am also at the information-gathering stage.  

The market is crazy look for the homes on Redfin/Zillow that are being sold where the sellers didn't stage the house.

Is that worth it and a good thing to join at this stage?

I have experience in interior design and staging.