These resources helped me tremendously in getting started:1.

Negotiated with an escalation clause that started $5K below asking, and went to our max in $1,000 increments .

Real estate appreciation has certain seen tremendous growth in many markets, but many believe we may be nearing the end of a market cycle and heading into a period of low or no growth (if not negative), with negative cash flow is a big risk. 

I am not familiar enough with the rents in Sheldon or Laguna to directly compare them, but I know Elk Grove has grown tremendously in the past few years with plenty of expansion and a lot of Bay Area folks moving to the area.

They both helped me out tremendously and ensured to do what was best for my long-term goals with the RE investing.

Zach has been tremendous to work with, and has definitely been a huge help in advising on topics like tax strategies, LLCs & the best markets for cash flow. 

I would recommend you look into getting your real estate license it is a tremendous help and you can get started right away. 

I personally think because of the lowering of interest rates it should create tremendous opportunity for sellers in the short term which I want to capitalize but if we continue to see interest rates drop it might be a greater indicator of other economic factors such as an increase in umemployment. 

Many of my clients have been tremendously successful with their flips and rentals.

@Arn Cenedella Arn, this helps tremendously!