If you know you want to do real estate you might be better served with a business degree of some sort (finance) as you're going to get into lots of financial analysis to determine good deals vs. bad and more. 

How much time is your chosen strategy going to take once it's achieved your financial goal?

It is a absolute must that you perform a thorough credit, employment, income, previous landlord, financial and employment background check.

But after more research I did decide that it would be the best way for me to network and get some hands on experience about real estate investing and my market while reducing my financial risk. 

*looks at her bookshelf* Of his, I read (according to my bookshelf)- The ABCs of Real Estate Investing, Guide to Investing, OPM- Other People's Money, Real Estate Loopholes, Increase Your Financial IQ, Before You Quit Your Job, SalesDogs, and The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing.

These are large scale financial assets, many time with emotional attachments.

You don't need to do a lot of deals to reach your financial goals.

But the upside is that they are often more organized with financials etc. 

I think the Financial Knowledge & Empowerment Plan is working so far.I'll find out in a few years if my approach worked as my oldest is in high school now and should be making his own way in the world in 7 or 8 years.

@Jay HinrichsI think there are several reasons for the significant drop, but the two biggest in my opinion are related to financial theory and the current legislative landscape.