You have come to the right forum to gather advice from experienced investors, realtors etc  try some of these meetups and also listen  to some of the podcastshttps://www.meetup.com/find/?

Quote from @Nathan Frost: Hi all, curious on any advice or tips here. 

Thank you Mike for your advice.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I give advice around this topic to clients every day and want to know if I'm missing something. 

Thanks for all the advice, I'll definitely have to research more as I go about how to build out my portfolio and whether I want to pay down the existing loans or buy more.

The reason why I ask is because I'm sure some people are going to say it is critical to first build a network but I find myself doubting myself because why would someone listen to advice from a 21 year old who has never bought a deal before? 

I am located in Ohio and like many people I have researched and read about, tired of the 9-5 grind and putting money into someone else's pockets. I'm looking to create my own wealth and build something for my family....

My best piece of advice is to buy a house with an existing permit.

You've received a wealth of wonderful advice here.