What did you think/did you find it to be a reliable source and did you end up using it in any way to make a purchase decision? 

You can have both asset protection and separation but you will have to have either one California LLC or one foreign entity registration in California depending on where your investments are located. 

CLICK HERE for one source that includes a link to the real estate agency where you can get it straight from the horse's mouth.

Or did you mean you have another source of funds for the down payment, like a gift from family? 

Land trusts may preclude you from financing with a majority of investment property lenders -- I can't speak for traditional/conventional sources as I don't have experience there. 

If I plan to own real estate investments as a viable source of income in my later years (hopefully sooner) would becoming a realtor be beneficial to me?

I have found they are good source of information.

LoopNet is free and is basically for amateurs (I call them Loopsters), but can be a great source to find brokers.

Time is of the essence since i left my job do to my real estate assets superseding my W2 income   And i become bored and frustrated and not looking into selling cars unless there Porsche’s or Ferrari.If anyone has good sources of information I’m all ears..Thanks in advance

Before you plan on in-sourcing dry cleaning; make sure you are well aware of the rules and regulations pertaining to that industry.