I have read Rich Dad/Poor Dad (of course) and some other personal finance books, but that's about it. 

@Jared Feldman I'd encourage you to read Cashflow Quadrant (it's the follow up to Rich Dad, Poor Dad).

I have been interested in real state for a while, but I had never taken action; just recently I started reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T.

Depending on the type of investing you have planned, or the type of motivation/education desired, I recommend the following: For help with overall motivations and mindset:"Beginners Guide to Real Estate Investing" (free eBook) by Brandon Turner Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel ClaysonRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert KiyosakiGetting Things Done: A Guide to Stress-free Productivity by Daivd Allen -- It's not a real estate book but it will help when it comes to getting and staying organized.The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich By Tim FerrisFor help with Property Management:Landlord-ing on Autopilot by Mike ButlerFor help with Raising Funds:Raising Private Capital: Building your Real Estate Empire Using Other People's Money by Matt Faircloth

I recommend starting with Rich Dad Poor Dad and moving on from there. 

You might also like their personal finance podcast "BiggerPockets Money Show"Some books I liked getting started were "Rich Dad Advisors: The ABC's of Real Estate Investing" and David Greene's "Long-Distance Real Estate Investing".Check for BiggerPockets meetups in the Events section and keep asking questions on the forums.

@Casey Helmick Read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" for mindset education and motivation.

From what I have read and others have said this divide between high and low collection ‘% seems to be directly correlated to the local govt’s hostility towards landlords and the misconception that all landlords are “rich”.

@Rich Makijew with credit like that you should be able to refinance at a much lower interest rate with minimal if any fees

@Nick Peters Thank you for providing the information, in regards to real estate I have read "Set for Life," "Rich Dad Poor Dad," and "The Book on Rental Property Investing."