If you had been lowballing, I could see your agent lose confidence in you as a buyer, but if you were competitive, then it’s on him.

I plan to hire a RE attorney the first deal but would like to gain some more confidence.

This is true for cash flow markets and appreciation markets and they are both speculation as the cash flow could vanish (Detroit and Las Vegas at the Great Recession) and the appreciation could be years away (such as the case for the San Francisco at the Great Recession).I am confident that in 10 years San Francisco's RE will be more expensive than today. 

@Kody Foster that's awesome!

I felt very confident in my numbers and knew that this property would go quick.   

They make it seem that if I dont join them I wont be successful so my question is what other courses that are cheaper or other ways I can learn everything I need to know so i can confidently take action knowing what am doing... ? 

Knowing what I do now, I would get into multi units (over 4) as soon as possible.Educate yourself enough so that you can confidently evaluate a property for cash flow.

I need a mix of confidence and helpful tips. 

Be very friendly, polite and professional, but firm and confident. 

@Dave @Dave Foster is the "one call does it all" for 1031 info.