In preparation I've been blasting the bigger pockets podcast constantly for a few months, reading the books you all evangelize, and am studying to become an Agent by the end of the year. 

@Brent Coombs Some obvious advantages would be access to the MLS and not having to pay someone else fees for listing a property (if you were to).

Should I constantly be doing a 1031 exchange to keep climbing the real estate ladder?

In general it is best to have a solid knowledge of your market, target areas, and access to a good team on the ground to assist you.

It was a landlocked property and the only access was via a shared driveway.

People will gladly help, but won't do it for you.This is just the tip of the iceberg, good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.I also noticed your pro, so you should have access to the 2012 Audio, listen to Will Barnard and the Wholesaling bootcamp by Aaron Mazrillo, and Ryan Webber.  

I think the main reason has been a lack of good river access points, there are only a couple in the county, and there's a very long stretch with no good place to get in or out of the river at all.So at the bottom or our hill there's been property for sale for a while, it used to be a landscaping business or some such but it's been vacant for years.

In my state (NJ) and from what I've heard if I obtain my associates license I need to work with an realtor to keep it active or to have access to the MLS. 

I'm originally from MD and I have a family member who is prepping for the MD test and is constantly asking me questions as if i'm licensed in MD.

Constantly searching for Buyers and other Investors i can connect with.