Does this mean I have to just go for it on my own try to assemble my team and see where i end up.

But I do want an inflation protected, relatively liquid savings that I can see and touch.Any advice on the most secure and economical way to purchase coins & bullion that are actually delivered or shipped to you?

One day I want to dabble in wholesaling as well as buy and hold, and I feel like starting out with a wholesale company would be beneficial because they will teach you how the business works and probably point you in the right direction when it comes to assembling a buyers list.

Understand that anyone who can fog a mirror can write a blog or have a podcast, the recommendations to learn by such materials will most often have limited experience and knowledge to offer a critique of such materials, but that won't stop them.You need some money to be in RE, you will have expenses trying to be in the business, there is no real "no money" deal, gurus lie their azzes off to market stuff.Podcast #70 isn't that applicable without a mortgage originator involved and that will usually be a concern in your area, finding one.If you can't buy as Erik mentioned which is a good way to start you may look at lease-options, that can be a low investment approach.You really need to learn the basics of RE before you start with any strategy, the basics will shed light on all strategies so that you understand the why and how rather than not knowing and trying to follow steps as if you were on an assembly line.....not the way to start out. :)

I can even print deposit slips to have everything assembled at home for the rent I receive by mail, vs paid online.  

So, if you can pick up these properties one by one, without anyone realizing that you're assembling them, you're likely to be able (in the right location) to entice a developer to pay you bigger numbers, than just the sum of each property's value. 

I am about to do my first rehab and the floors looks like my biggest job.Joe:  In certain situations where there is too much movement in the floor assembly - i.e. long spans of 2x6 (which were once permitted in some locations) or even 2 x 8 floor joists with a thin subfloor (1/2" OSB or plywood) .... particularly if the subfloor was poorly laid and seams were not staggered sufficiently.If the floor deflects when you walk across it or if the room shakes when you jump on the floor, then the floor is probably not stable enough for tile - despite the advances of modern decoupling membranes.  

Can anyone recommend high quality accountants, real estate lawyers, contractors, and title companies in the Virginia Beach / Norfolk / Chesapeake area? Who do you use and why?

The owner will end up needing a,s,m,e,p for sure to get permits and assemble contract documents.  

The key is to take your time assembling a quality ground team of experienced professionals.