This will allow you to grasp the basics so that your time with a mentor will be better utilized for more advanced material.Since you didn't mention a particular REI area of interest, I added the below links for your review and selection of one of the three most popular niches or all if you so choose.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

The Podcasts are particularly popular

Success is a process, failure is a choice

Mortgage payments that are due cause landlords to make poor screening choices!

Its that 15 degree's of separation.. there was a novel ( fiction)  that was popular in the 90's called the Celetine prophecies and the upshot is you never know were a chance meeting will lead you.. but you have to MEET.. not just hid behind a computer. ( not that your hiding behind a computer ) but you get what I mean.. it takes getting out there and mixing and that one meeting could change your life..

As I learn more about rental properties, flipping houses, property developers etc, I feel over whelmed with the knowledge and the choice of roles played by REI broker, licensed agent, developer etcThe ultimate goal is to develop properties (commercial and corporate).

As I am reading around I am wondering if this strategy occurs or is even possible.  In buying a home for myself if I notice a house that has been for sale for a while or is for sale maybe through craigslist is it poss...

Andy, Solo 401k plan is not for everyone (you must be self-employed or own a small business without full-time employees other than the business owner(s) and spouse), however if you qualify for it - in most cases it would be a much better choice for most people (you don't need a custodian with it, you don't need an LLC to gain the checkbook control, you can borrow from your plan up to $50K before retire, just to name a few advantages).

Success is a process, failure is a choice

Yes, I do have to agree with you that owning a property in the bayarea for primary residence is not wise from an investment standpoint, it is simply a personal choice.