Investing Newbie from Oklahoma City metro area

[Travis Benham]

Good morning All,

I'm Travis and I live in the Oklahoma City area.  I'm  in my early 30s, and an experienced software developer currently looking for passive income opportunities, but I would like to eventually move into real estate investment full time when I get into my forties. 

A relative of mine got into flipping houses earlier this year.  I thought he was going about it all wrong and wanted to find some resources to back my claim, and that's how I came across this website.  I still think he's going about his strategy wrong, however to his credit he is DOING it which is more than I can say for myself.  

So after a few months of lurking, listening to the Podcast, and reading a couple of the recommended books, my way of thinking is now fully into getting me out of the rat race and into real estate investing.

I am currently in "saving money" mode as I don't have ready funds to buy properties.  My goal is to have some nice capital by next Summer to get my first property.  I appreciate any advice to help me through this initial phase and leap of faith.

Thanks!