Hi Jeanette,I've done some investing remotely, and the key to my projects in Vegas, have been finding the right local resources.

You have found a great resource.

Being from Houston myself, there are REI resources out there that you can utilize to get into this business.

If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing and The BiggerPockets Podcast.

In addition, our natural gas utility company is quick to share resources and check out the gas appliances if there is ever a suspected problem.

I am a mason and I have 2 partners who are carpenters, so we are able to very accurately assume what thinsg will cost and have a definitive time frame.In my opinion, buy and hold is a great starting point (that's what I did), theres tons and tons of resources here and people to answer questions for ANY topic!

My family is giving me a great deal mostly labor discounts, i would just like to know if there are any resources to see if these deals make sense in the 2014 Merrillville market.

Your undergrad degree will be great for you in RE.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Maybe the three of you should pool your resources and team up on a project that is large enough for professional management.

Blessed with a good mentor.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.