It helps to be familiar with vendors too, my rule, ignore small unknown sources for maintenance receipts/charges as many play games, larger reputable companies will have more standardized pricing.If you can determine vacancies from lease files, good, but still be careful for leases that can't be verified by lease receipts/deposits.

As to education, what you pick up might be how to deal, you aren't really learning the game because they don't teach the basics of the game, what the rules are or usual and customary aspects of real estate, so much.

I spent 5 years in the wholesale game and now just represent my clients.

For starters I don't have much Capitol but I am looking at ways to get Capitol, that is why I am looking to wholesale but that isn't the end game.

You don't have to hit home runs, just get in the game. 

I once went to camp and had a 3 guys ask "what's your favorite video game".

I was wondering how could I get in to the real estate game.

Many new investors start off "too hot" and end up overdeveloping their first property or spending their money too fast - either of these behaviors will preclude you from achieving even your short-term goals and may knock you out of the game.

You didn't say what the price point was, but 20% down would generally be adequate skin in the game and enough to cover repairs if you end up getting it back. 

Buying old listings is like mining any lead source, it's a numbers game.