If you don't know someone in the field chances are most guys are gonna gouge you.

Many people in this field are not so technically minded, so you definitely have what to contribute here.

I have also worked in the Finance field in aviation and software technology, but real estate has always been a joy and excitement for me.

These numbers are for duplexes, triplexes, quads, and slightly larger multis that you'd find on public listings within the city limits and within a few miles of Coors Field. 

And, the cyberspace is teaming up with all kinda information FREELY and READILY available, so why pay a fat cat to "teach" me yet down deep I know that if HE/SHE was successful he/she woulda never been teaching, he/she woulda been out in the field shoveling money left and right.

Would love to live in a world where you could just freely trust people, but I'm happy to hear that you're moving into the field with a goal to not give someone that experience. 

I am currently in the field passing out business cards for my company and personally introducing myself to to anybody that deals with properties in Monterey County.

If investing in real estate is in your future, try to get jobs as you are able in related fields.

Become an expert in the field and connect with like minded individuals.

The house is on its own septic field.