I have been browsing the forum listening to podcast but I feel it's so much it's overwhelming.

You could also explore Facebook groups of real estate investors local to your area.If it doesn't matter where your CPA is located, browse the BP forums and see who is getting recommended.

I was browsing around my area just looking at houses for sale and I saw one that was a Bank/HUD owned home that needed some work but in the description it says only homeowner/occupants (no investors).

There is tons of information here to browse.

im about ready to make my first investment. ive analyzed the market in the area im looking. checked into the economy, browsed houses in that area. ive also done many calculations on my financial situation to ensure i am approved on the loan. i'm using wells fargo right now but haven't officially put in an application. any advice on acquiring financing ?

I am continuously browsing on auction.com. 

Another option is to purchase an apartment instead, but considering the HOA fees I wonder if it will be easier to bite the bullet and go for a home instead.I’ll take the time to browse through the materials available - already signed up for a webminar.

While reading books and browsing BiggerPockets is teaching me a lot it is not giving me those personal connections I am looking for.

I've been browsing BP a bit and it's already apparent that I can learn a lot from the more experienced users here regarding flips, rentals, etc.

I was browsing came across these developers in Columbus, OHhttp://www.columbusceo.com/content/downloads/Leaderboards/2013/0513-real-estate.pdf