Completely New to RE Investing with Some Questions

[Jaci Sattler]

Looking forward to starting this journey! In my brand-new stage I simply hope to find a cash-flowing deal and learn from there. For single-family rental homes, is it normal to have a waiting period of a few years before cash-flowing? 

Only looked in areas such as Tulsa, OK and Fayetteville, AR so far. Much further research is necessary, but what does everyone think in terms of benefits of investing locally? What are the major benefits? I have seen recent posts about more difficulties of investing out of state. 

Finally, any advice on finding local, in-person meet-ups for real estate and investing? 

Appreciate any insights and thanks for all the contributions already out there in the forum. The forum posts are just as educational as any articles and I love the real people and real stories.