Should I consult professionals before taking my first step?

[Niles Treber]

Hi again BP!

I'm a noobie from central Florida who's still figuring out my goals and the strategy to get there. I'd like to get your thoughts. Would you recommend visiting with a local CPA, real estate attorney or any other professionals prior to making my first real estate purchase? Id rather get it over and done with at the beginning than get a couple properties in and run into headaches. In your experiences is it worth the investment to meet with these professionals? Or can I get the same knowledge through my own research?

Thanks!