I feel like this is a great time for me to take advantage of this opportunity to learn with real world application and also hopefully start building wealth at a very early age (I am 19, turning 20 next month).I am open to any advise, criticism, information, motivation etc. as I am a sponge ready to take in as much knowledge as I possibly can for when/if I decide to go back to school from my endeavors.

That leaves only 1 potentiality; it is with knowing intent, and their motive is worth the damage it will bring.

I was incredibly motivated by the guy and his energy.

Or, you need to find "better" (more motivated) Sellers?

Send a lot of mail to targeted sellers and wait for the opportunity to find a motivated seller where forced appreciation is there and ask for seller financing terms.

But, I kept going until I found a lender to do the deal because it was a good project; and I didn't give a minutes thought to the motivation of the other lender.

What are the best marketing  wholesaling strategies to find motivated sellers?

I've came across a motivated seller out of state.

I'm not as active in buying RE currently, not because of fear of the market, but I'm simply not as motivated and prefer to use my time to play.

If you have motivation, common sense (yes, common sense is a big one, and you can't get that in any university) and the ability to learn, you can be successful.If you have the cash to pay for your education - go for it.