@Keitha LovettWelcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.You didn’t mention a specific area of interest, so, I added links to three of the most popular niches for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)You can use this material to absorb the basics, so that you will be ready to take on more complex teachings from your mentor.It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

@Alan MorrisonI'm not an expert by any means, but I would recommend you go with what is popular or common in your neighborhood.

Just go where real estate is popular and look at getting into small mult-family projects when you feel like you are ready.  

My favorite is the Black Diamond meeting that alternates every other month between their Waltham and Worcester locations so you are in a decent area to go to both, this month is in Waltham.  

An alternate would be to cash out refinance your next down payment, but this will hurt your DTI more, increase your risk,  you'll need to make sure it will still cash flow under the refinance.Buying the next place works best in a down market.

@Jill JohnsAs mentioned above, if you want access to alternative assets such as real estate (a popular option around here), you will need a truly self-directed IRA or 401k.

Assuming a water softener is not the best option, I was looking for other alternatives for preventative maintenance.

@Steven Bruce, @David Oldenburg has a popular meetup group in the Sacramento / Roseville area, as does @Al Williamson.

Alternatively take that info to see if you can track down a telephone number.Andy

As there is not enough space to build it on flat land with the normal slope setbacks, I understand that to take advantage of the "alternate setback" regulations, the setback would need engineering, and approval from the building department.