For example, if you are looking to connect with other members near you, want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

Have read many books and attended seminars and dabbled, but finally ready to make my first investment. 

Invest in the book by Brandon TurnerThe Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money Down

Other benefits to purchasing turnkey if you as a buyer is out of state or out-of-country is the knowledge and experience the turnkey provider can offer with such things as the best local lender for DSCR loans etc or guiding the investor on setting up a local LLC if the buyer chooses to purchase through a company as opposed to one’s personal name.

I'm in the process of "building my team" as all the books have recommended doing.

Keep saving money and reading books. 

I highly recommend getting a bookkeeper for those of you who are like me and aren’t savvy enough to organize your own books.

I don't remember them keeping the booking fees.

Not surprised.I had a listing on Landing, which I recently told them to remove after they informed me there was now a $2500 (approximate) fee for cancellation of any booking reservations. 

(We will guide you through the sell to the buyer).In this group, you will be able to post your deals for feedback or to get one of these investors to buy.Offer is completely free - just trying to gauge interest.