An issue here is that being new to the industry, my imagination for possible scenarios leaves something to be desired (and hopefully something I can improve on in this forum).

You put your friend in a rough spot as I can only imagine that your friend was well aware that your girlfriend and her mom were living there.

I imagine that Quest has to charge you somehow and I can't see you earning 8-10% returns with their charges The important part is to know the law where you are investing and learning the process. 

The webinars and podcasts are very beneficial and you will find a blog on just about any topic you can imagine.

(I imagine there might be some overlap between the two lists).

I would imagine yes.

Can't imagine how that could possibly go wrong... go for it... lol

Social media plays a huge role in my business so I imagine you will really like it once you start getting familiar with it.

I cant imagine having to do that much work. 

You will learn more from those two things than you can imagine and it costs...nothing!