The first step is to identify a strategy, choose a market that aligns with it and establish a team that will be your core 4 to real estate investing. 

Establish contacts with other DMV-area professionals, wholesalers, real estate brokers, and investors.

Participate in discussion boards, post queries, and establish connections with other investors who might know more about the Pinellas County real estate market.Remember, every successful investor started as a beginner.

Until you have established track record you probably won't find a lender willing to help you acquire (mortgage) a property in the name of an LLC.

Or did it take some time for your property to establish a high volume of website visits, good reviews etc?

Our financial advisor said it would be ideal if she does the apprentice type work with an experienced broker so we can learn the ropes.

I'd recommend doing a little tax planning with your person this year to establish a timeline so you don't accidentally lose out on this by playing with timing a little.

Develop strategies to address each risk factor.Professional Advice: Seek guidance from real estate professionals, including real estate agents, property managers, and financial advisors.

They establish the criteria.

Other investors such as many which I have represented prefer an established neighborhood where I can tell them how many, and which homes are owner occupied vs. not as a neighborhood with more owner occupied homes means less competition for rental homes.