@Kristen Watts, these are all questions for your RE attorney, not internet strangers.

I am so new to this REI, and am trying to gain all the insight and knowledge I can through books, internet, people, and sites like this.

identify the returns or yields you want figure out if you want returns as soon as you purchase the note or delayed into the future figure out your risk tolerance find free or cheap educational content about notes get trained up by a class or a mentor purchase

Average Market rate is $1,200 (all utilities)Section 8 $1,277 (I just have to cover the water bill)Median income in my zip code is about 25k.This is my train of thought in choosing section 8: I feel confident I'd be able to find a non-section 8 tenant that meets the 3x earning rule but in this high risk market I would rather get steady income.

As i am going over the material it seems to me after the training they will present their coaching programs or some sort of program to help jump start your RE investment path with them. the program seemed like it was packed with a lot of info so I thought itll be worth a shot to hear but any tips, pointers or things i should expect when attending these seminars? 

I'm not sure what course or training you are doing, but I'd just recommend you to go virtual.

There are also investor clubs like For Investor By Investor (FIBI), Keiretsu Forum, The Mile Marker Club, Freedom Founders, etc. that have various programs available that allow you to gain access to their member base either by paying a fee to pitch your deal or becoming an training resource to their members at their various events. 

They offer training for owners who want self manage.

This will provide the very best cash on cash return I would just need to find a good property management company. 5th option would to buy REIT's. however I can only put as much in as I have and would't be using the banks money.Sorry for the long post, I am just looking for a little guidance form the best community on the internet.

They do online training for pre license and continue education for the national exam and certifications for certain states depending on their licensing.