Hey @Shaun MilliganYou can find and connect with other BP members that are in your area, here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or clarifications.

Normally, I've seen this cost closer to $45/person, but very rarely see any hesitation from applicants. 

Any questions don't hesitate to send me a message.

My only hesitancy was the $45 minimum per month; which is my only real gripe with them (do something for the smaller folks ya know....).  

I am hesitant to call this one my first "deal" for two reasons: (1) I haven't closed on it yet and (2) the circumstance of absolutely needing a residence to live in took precedence over taking my time to find a killer deal with concrete criteria. 

Be aware that you have to know your neighborhoods in Baltimore though, I'd be hesitant to purchase sight-unseen (assuming you're deployed and can't get back to see the homes yourself).  

Do alot of reading, take notes, watch the webinars and podcasts when you have time..... and dont hesitate to reach out to people and ask questions or engage in conversation. were all here for similar reasons.

I don't know much about the area or if it's in decline or if it's growing, so I am a bit hesitant to invest in that market.

Personally, I would be hesitant to purchase my first property 1000 miles from where I live, because in addition to the real estate challenges , you will also have geographical challenges.

Here in NYC all I do is deal with condos and co-ops and I wouldn't hesitate to do a BRRRR on a condo (if I could only find something where the numbers remotely worked).