I would also like to attend local meet-up's and link up with realtors and investors along the way. 

I'd get started with these two links:https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/0...https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2010/06/3...Also, consider attending one of the local real estate meetings.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

I have attended a few REIA and similar meetings and felt that they were mainly geared towards Single Family Home investing.

I'm not opposed to expanding out a bit, but I don't want to be too far just in case anything comes up that I need to attend to. 

Have you attended any of the TRIG events?

Our auctions require cash or cashier checks in hand there is not settlement, but that may be different in Maryland.To learn your local rules I recommend 3 things.1) attend a few auctions to see how it works, talk to the regulars you find there2) Find a good foreclosure attorney and pay them for an hour to get them to explain how it works, Hint, they are all listed in the public notices 3) Google the Maryland foreclosure laws and read up on themGood luck!