It's a powerful and user-friendly tool that has made a huge difference for me.

Be sure to connect with other BP members and make some friends along the way. 

I would love to find a person, not a company, who would lend for 30 years or even 15 or 10 with a balloon.I have friends and family, but even they want to be paid back in a year or two.

I'd say your first move should be to house hack and get out of the apartment, this is the most beginner-friendly way to get started, and as you continue to educate yourself you'll be better equipped to find other deals as you learn.

Curious if you're considering house hacking with other people (family or friends) or if you're thinking about going it solo?

To begin investing in real estate, learn first, set financial goals, analyze finances, study markets, make friends in the field, get a loan, start with small properties, check all details, plan how to manage them, and choose renters carefully.

Your friend's post office sounds very similar to the property I own. 

If there’s nothing in the HOA about outside smoking then her telling the HOA is the same as her telling her friends.

And I can't really talk shop with my inner group of friends (other than the macroeconomics of CRE).Are there outlets for these types of conversations? 

I have a real estate agent/friend who is guiding me through the process.