Definitely get into the landlord and rental forums and listen to the pod casts about buy and holds.  

I can't find the thread as i don't know how but I was happy to spend 5 minutes explain what I got from the thread and what I know about that particular asset class.For long term TK you need to be 60 to 150k minimum and rents at 750 and above to make them viable.Its the power of BP pod casts were they ( the owners ) don't really vette these folks in any way.. just because they make a pod cast has no bearing on how accurate the info is or viable the investment is.Many that do pod cast are great for sure.. but there is an irrational exuberance  thinking a BP pod cast puts you in an Elite level.

John has a great tip regarding the pod casts.  

Not trying to cast a lot of doom and gloom on what is intended to be a very kind and generous gift but I'd hate to see anyone let along a newbie investor get stuck with a bag of worms right from the get go.

I've been listening to the BP pod casts for a few months now on a daily basis.

I have never listened to a pod cast as I get board with them.there was a long thread on those that did listen to it and went out to try to buy properties from this persons company only to find out.. it was not what they thought. and in deeper discovery on those threads this guy has no real experience at this.. and is just a hyperbole internet type dude.I am sure his hey we all want to quit our day jobs and have passive income message is well received by you folks out there in BP land.. but you can't get there with the stuff he sells..

I've been hearing in the pod casts people recommend getting your real estate license.

@Louis Mannikko  if your 401k is a solo 401k that you control.. you may want to look at investing NOtes or with a HML.. this is a very good use for those funds.on the fix and flip you may want to consider partnering up.. just make sure whoever you partner with is vetted thourougly.. plenty of " my idea and your Money guys out there" you can go on amazon or E bay.Look for any of the guru's written material and videos you can get those for next to nothing. look through them there are usually nuggets in each one that you can use.you can also spend untold hours on BP asking questions and reading and listening to pod casts etc.. of course this is free and just depends on if you have the time for that.

Start casting lines in the water everywhere you can, I'm sure you'll find connections in places you wouldn't expect. 

The galvanized pipes along with cast iron can get pricey from what I was told and I would be hiring out pretty much everything which would cost quite a bit.