Forgot iPad password. However, don’t want to lose my data. Very important. Suggestions please.

The passcode - the six or four digit number used to lock the iPad - is stored only on the device: so it can't be retrieved - Apple can't help you - and I'm afraid the only way to unlock the iPad is to erase it as described in the page linked to at the top of this page. If you have made a backup you can restore it from that afterwards. If you haven't made a backup I'm afraid there is no way of saving the contents.

You are talking about the passcode I assume; if you keep getting it wrong you will be locked out permanently - I don't know how many times it will take: I have a feeling it's ten but I'm guessing. After that point you won't have the opportunity to enter the passcode.