I joined Bigger Pockets because I feel there is a lot of great information here for someone who is new to real estate investing, like me, and it is a great place to network with other like-minded individuals.

My biggest worry with a Section 8 housemate is that the individuals reason for needing assistance would be something that would make them a challenging neighbor, and you are not allowed to ask if a prospective tenant has a mental illness. 

I am more curious if there is a way for me to do it being an individual and not an agent.

I've been administering 1031 Exchanges for 30 years, and I can tell you that an individual can't just read the code, regulations and 100's of rulings and become an expert overnight. 

Jolene,I am in Clark County (invest in Jeffersonville at the moment).Are you still looking for individuals?

Another great source of information is individual blogs found in peoples signatures.

I think people are kinder on the latter two because they have a greater sense of dealing with you as an individual.  

If you are looking to network, definitely make use of BP as I have connected with many like-minded individuals locally through the boards.You can also try GaReia and Atlanta REIA.

Here is the process I planned out based on what I've read.I was planning on calling the individual listing agent per house to schedule and appointment.  

Another great source of information is individual blogs found in peoples signatures.