Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

They tend to stay a long time. 

Let's stay in touch as guidance comes out

Because the legal protections afforded by the LLC goes out the window if you aren't able to stay organized and separate your personal and business expenses (i.e., pierce the corporate veil). 

In terms of living on the income my real estate generates (I have a job but not a very secure or reliable income job), would I be better off staying with the properties paid off or looking for similar good deals and mortgaging them ?

I'm a newbe who lives in California and I've been spending the last 4-6 months reading everything real estate related that I can, staying up to date on the forums here and listening to all of the BP podcasts that I can.

So staying all bills paid could be a bonus to your property.

I've also been listening to the podcasts and reading guides and books.

I’m staying positive and reading my books and listening to the podcasts but still I feel like I have more questions the more I listen and learn.

Stay away from cars, trucks, boats...