BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I both personally invest in real estate and help others gets started/expand their portfolios in various Midwest/midsouth markets.What I do with my kids: My wife and I have 2 of our rentals that are on the same street, with a home in between them.

The biggest hurdle you'll have to overcome is accepting breakeven or negative cash flow at the start. 

I would start there because most in your shoes who want to form LLC's aren't conducting the day to day activities appropriately and that is far more advantageous to you than merely forming an LLC.

I started with two remodeling projects and have since completed three new construction projects.

Then plan a date to actively start looking to buy.

My agent was a very nice older lady, but no idea about investing, it all worked out and once the first rent checks started coming in started gaining some confidence.

Snow: I have gone back and forth about what kind of rental I start with.

As Andrew said, starting with a house-hack is a great way to get started.

Start by networking at local meetups and connecting with investors, agents, and property managers.