Besides the bugs and the gators and the subpar education system (sorry, but it's true), it really comes down to we "don't know what we're really buying in terms of exposure to future flooding events". 

Looking to mingle and meet people that may be able to help me along on this journey.

Good luck on your REI journey!

My name is Cody McVay and I am just getting started on my journey into real estate investing and wanted to formally introduce myself to the bp community.

Also glad to see that you are going to do an apprenticeship with your landlord; you will learn more from the hands on doing than any book can provide.One book I'd add to your list is a phenomenal book on negotiations called "Never Split the Difference".I'd also highly recommend blogging about your journey, your readings, your apprenticeship. 

I have been educating myself on real estate for a while now and although books, blogs and forums are great, finding an investor in the area to just chat with would be amazing.

I am excited about this new journey, and open to networking and learning from other peoples' experiences!

I have been educating myself on real estate for a while now and although books, blogs and forums are great, finding an investor in the area to just chat with would be amazing.

Spend the additional time & money you would be spending on driving around cheapo buyers who will be getting part of your commission on your marketing & continuing education to attract better clientele.

Hopefully this post can help a few people in their real estate journeys!