Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Quote from @John Friendas: Quote from @Chris Seveney: When buying at auction you will have zero ability to sue (and win) an auction site if information is not correct.  

Look for books published in the last 2 years as some of the books post 2010 seem to give people unrealistic expectations.

Originally posted by @Wei Li:@Andrey Y.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Did you get started after this post and how is the success?

Consult a tax professional to optimize deductions and explore strategies like Real Estate Professional Status or short-term rental loopholes to apply depreciation to non-passive income.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Originally posted by @Mark F.: Edit: Reread your post.

My vision is for this meetup to be informal and organic.

While I don't object to spending money to do one's due diligence, I don't know if $500 is called for when you can get very high quality syndication groups/meetups/information for free.