First time buyer/investor advice

[Bryan Covet]

Just looking for some direction from my BP family with regards to what direction I might take my first investment. I love the idea of hacking a multi-fam, but with a fam of my own and not really wanting to put us in what would be more than likely a C (+ / -) or lower neighborhood for at least one year, that really doesn't seem like it's going to be an option we'll be happy with. So I came to the forums to get some advice as to how I should best take advantage of what will more than likely be a pretty low down payment, 3.5% more than likely. 

Just looking for some general direction at this time. We will more than likely be putting this off for roughly 18 months in order to save $$ and develop a good REI knowledge base.

We look forward to buying and holding rentals, but I'm open to any suggestions as to whatever would be our best first step here in the Central Florida region. 

Thank you all in advance.