Your choice, BUT a 10yr roof is not 'in poor condition' unless A) it  was installed 11yrs ago B) an inspector says so in writing. 

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