Like you, I have passion for this business, but that isn’t a guarantee of success.

Here is to wishing you nothing but GR8 success in your 2017  (and beyond) REI ventures! 

Once my refi goes through I'm going to post a BP success story about it.

I have learned some much and feel that I will be successful.

I would say that most successful investors aren't pulling the trigger on a deal unless they can get really close to all their money back. 

I was curious how many other people have been successful with that.

That sounds strange, but you have nothing holding you back from venturing out of your security...because you have lost that security blanket that was your job.I would venture to say, that most of the success stories in history, started out where you are right now...me included.So, with nothing holding you back, and with plenty of time on your hands (time will always be your greatest asset...since you can never get it back), if you want to get into REI, you need to do the following:1 - Learn,2 - Learn some more,3 - Keep learning.Places to learn (before you say "that costs money"), that don't cost any money are:1 - Online education sites that have free articles written by experts in their fields.2 - Free e-books, that you can get online.3 - Joining your local REIC's to both learn and network.4 - ...and never stop learning...even when you become a success at this (and you will)Also, three very critical actions you MUST follow to be a success:1 - Always think possitive.2 - Train yourself to think of future "obstacles" as temporary problems...and you are the problem solver. 

I am studying BiggerPockets, speaking to people in my network like my agent and my Uncle, another successful property owner.

Being excited for the success of other investors rather than jealous creates a synergy of success that comes back to encourage me.  

its a great place to find like minded folks who run the gambit of highly experienced to total beginners and everything in between.. although I would say its slanted towards those starting their journey and many once they get going and have some success contribute less frequently.you have those that are in some sort of sales business so are always marketing themselves or their companies.. through writing blogs and or posting on the site with regularity.