I have been in and out of the BiggerPockets site for a little bit and the knowledge I have acquired has helped me clearly define my goals, but I am looking forward to investing even more time and understanding REI more thoroughly. 

Have you defined that?

I've done lots of market research here but couldn't tell you if my market is hot or cold because I'm not sure exactly what defines a hot or cold market.

(2) Does a job define me?

Hello.I know to received a down payment gift for an FHA loan, it has to be from: Your relativeYour employer or labor unionA close friend with a "clearly defined and documented interest in the borrower"A charitable organizationSupposedly.

I think your next step is knowing what you first goal is, very well defined.

I define it the way @Steve Vaughan defines it - when you don't *have* to schlep off to something you really don't want to do any more.

It depends in part by how you define wholesaling. 

You are going to spinning your wheels too much trying to beat down an as-is seller, instead of having a better defined system and strategy to develop a lead funnel.

Note Fund investing (hands off) with a defined timeframe.