I've read some books, and watched tons of YouTube and BiggerPockets videos.

I'd say only invest in books highly rated on Amazon, otherwise, watch all the webinars and YouTube videos you can, read and participate in the forums here, surf the net for answers to questions--don't just look for the quick and easy answer by asking here (unless you've researched and can't find/understand the answer, but researching on your own will teach you lots of extra things you didn't expect to learn), and maybe even try to get a job with a contractor or real estate agent or someone else in an aspect of realty that interests you. 

Search WECloseNotes.com and/or Scott Carson on YouTube and Vimeo and the internet in general.Scott is one of my mentors.

I had that property rented right away last year, but my agent was there for all showings and I would leave the house with zen music and essential oils which is what led us to our quick discussion.

These days, I don't usually see or hear commercials since I typically listen to my music via Spotify and have no cable TV, but I did happen to have the radio on and heard an interesting ad.

Now, after watching as many podcasts as we could, YouTube videos, reading through forum posts and listening to anyone who'd talk to us about the topic, we're just days away from closing our first hard fought deal.

I am just utilizing the resource of Google & YouTube to get an understanding of what steps I need to take to get on top.

That of course opens you up to  some potential liability, because even a frivolous lawsuit cost money to fight.This YouTube video may help.https://youtu.be/GfD8nsm5t0gGood LuckBill

You will get better information on youtube and reading books than in a real estate license course.

Most of the podcast episodes I've heard and YouTube videos I've seen are from people that are in markets where entire houses cost less than a fraction of a Los Angeles down payment.To evaluate your MLS deals, make sure you know how much your money is going to cost you to purchase and hold the property.