That was the idea, easier to get another place and make more money and then buy outright after a few years... but a lot of the different investing books I've read really don't touch on land contracts which is why I was wondering about them.

I just purchased Brandon Turner's book on rental investing and have been listening to the audio book through my chrome book at home.

I decided to just book an inspection since I needed to get some pics of a water heater I need to replace (with the one tenant that has not been visited recently).

Trusts, other corps and LLCs cannot be shareholders, so people who are trying to gain anonymity are unable to do so as at least one natural person shareholder needs to be registered with the Secretary of State (in most states).There are several additional reasons, but honestly you could write a book about it.  

Right now it seems you need to continue to try and spend more time with you're old real estate friends, read more books,  and listen to more podcasts.  

I recommend a great book by @J Scott, The Book on Flipping Houses.

To watch unemployment, appreciation and rental trends are other tools that seem to be highly used by those with experience...I would think that because so many people do this for a living that they would have that kind of information readily available to people like me...aside from the ones who want to sell a class, a book or their own properties. 

If any of you have any tips on books, forums, podcasts, seminars, or anything that can help me get my journey started in the right path it would be a big help, thanks!!

I read a book called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad'' that a few people might have heard of and, I instantly became interested and excited to dive into real estate.  

How you discover this might be from an investor like Sean Terry on whole Saling or Buy and Holds from one of books by Brandon Turner.