My investments are all long term, so I have no plans to sell (or buy) in the next couple of years. 

I am brand new to the investing world.

Whether it's real estate investing or running a small business or a combination of both, I just know I want my income and financial stability to stop being reliant on a boss or corporate entity.I've got a couple of interests that I'm flexible on. - Long term residential rentals: Primary interest to start building.  

Typically, there are attorney services in your state that only charge a couple hundred dollars to form an entity.

Now, I know someone could say the cost should be "negligible" couple of hundred dollars a month, in comparison to the whole buildout budget, but still I do want to know what are the best practices out there.

Meetups + books + podcasts are the way to go, but meetups are the most crucial to your confidence level and to know people like you do this every day.I agree with @Nathan Gesner on the heads up, when you say you are new and want help, everyone has a pitch, that's why meetups are so good - most have no pitch, just networking, unless it's run by a hard money lender.I have a couple friends who invest in the Lehigh Valley that I can connect you with when the time comes.

I'm actually doing this right now and am going to hold a recent flip project as the area is going to be developed over the next couple of years and I expect appreciation to rise. 

Wholesale everything and keep a couple great rentals a year.

Right now she has a Occupational Therapist in the downstairs (1/1) and an elderly couple who had a major flood and insurance is paying for it.In Atlanta, I am betting you will have all sorts of possibilities.

I know this post is a couple years old but i would say it depends on the situation.