You should identify what your goals are and what you plan to do and then ask for the “best” approach.  

My goal is to begin searching for my next property in November and hopefully close on it by the end of the year.Goals for the future is to have enough income from my properties to be able to leave my job in the next few years.

Get advice from a few investors and work through what your goals are together.

As for all the information out there, narrow it down to what your long term goals are and focus on that. 

But you would save on the listing commission, which I assume is your goal?

@Nick Cockrell If you have a good relationship with this potential partner and your goals are aligned I would go ahead and partner.

The goal is to gain experience with a small win. 

Dont look for a mentor, make a plan/goals and then find people that overcame the problems you can't work out.The right mentor can come later, but generally speaking you either lack income or time but not both.

@Karina Torres What exactly are your goals?

3.Is it better to build a new home on vacant land or put a modular home on the vacant and if your goal is to sell the property in 5 to 8 years?