I've signed up to my local GaREIA 2 weeks ago and already started networking there. 

I highly encourage everyone to view the property before putting money down, but that's not ideal for many of them, so I do allow them to rent "sight unseen," but I am very open with them to ensure they don't show up and back out.1.

If it doesn't work, put it up for sale when the lease ends. 

Put a sign up in the corner store.And I would rethink your concern about 'rough areas'...

We host an investor meet up monthly in Alexandria, could be a good place to start.

What up Daniel!

Instead of losing 55k they will probably only end up losing $25,000 - $30,000 What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

My plan is to take the next six months to try and learn as much as possible about multifamily real estate, while also saving up money to be able to start a career in brokerage.

Also, if you are a minority, WRA has the Partnership for Success program, which helps pay for your start up costs.

The other property is a cottage built in the mid 70s and requires significant electrical/plumbing work to bring up to code.