I currently work in the Healthcare IT field but would prefer to face the challenges and rewards of the real estate business.

I've ready numerous books, listened to podcasts, etc Im just a little stumped on how to start.Any advice?

Risk and reward, no risk, you shouldn't be rewarded. :) 

Anything with rewards will be risky.

So even if a few unicorns die a spectacular death, and numerous start ups fail (remember most start ups fail by design), the upshot is that good employees will get rehired.

It's a rewarding experience when you can leverage the knowledge and experience of professionals that have a keen understanding of this industry, but even more so when we can connect said individuals to one another and create a networking ripple-effect.That being said, this is only the beginning and we have so much more to learn.

LOL>  at least from a hard money perspective.. risk reward is out of kilter

They will not file an application unless you agree to overlook their numerous issues.

I have a friend who has acquired numerous single family houses cash and has some nice passive income coming in now.

The trick is finding distressed properties but the reward is definitely worth it.