Often they want you to have some skin in the game. 

It's a numbers game.

I am looking to finally take action in the real estate game.

That said, it takes some time, math and research but with that you gain knowledge of the real estate game. 

You are way ahead of the game by asking this stuff now...also check out scott trench's book

Putting together my game plan for a Friday morning phone call. 

I have done quite a bit of research over the past two years and now am in the process of actually getting into the Wholesaling game. 

I never recommend people play the S-Corp game until they're doing regular deals.

I’ve come to understand that networking is the most valuable part of this game.

I would do the first fix and flip for the love of the game, know all the details so in the future your contractor can't screw you over, or if he's doing something fundamentally wrong you would know.