While you present a very interesting response (not accurate of course, but interesting)I'm not aware of a case where the judge dismissed the case because the defendant stated "I didn't know it was illegal"This is no longer for you.

Quote from @Marshall Robins: Quote from @Felicia Richardson:  Of course!

Education via trail & error is easily the #1 worst way to go about anything today UNLESS your an explorer, inventor, revolutionizing and still all of those have a whole lot of training and education backing them. 

I think it’s one of those “underrated” markets that’s starting to get more attention.Of course, since you’re looking to invest from out of state, you’ll want to partner with a solid local team.

I get people calling crying they want to sell their lot they bought for $50,000 and I tell them they're lucky to get resale at $5,000...then of course they don't want to sell....but if they don't sell they're paying $1000 year plus property taxes for a lot that likely won't go up in value for years.So think about your exit strategy. 

Of course that’s the first red flag!

• Resources for Learning: We’re working on improving our deal analysis skills and would love recommendations for tools, books, courses, or calculators tailored for beginners.• Networking and Connections: Are there local Bay Area meetups or forums for new investors?

Haven’t taken his course.

However, I know MANY mastermind courses where the actual course is the funnel to raise capital for the head of the course.

I think that's true of investment properties too.. the worse the area (which of course comes with riskier tenants, more maintenance, and vacancies) the better the numbers look in theory in terms of "cash flow"...