I've read about what to ask when you find them, but I seem to be Google inept sometimes at trying to find them to get started

Google SCRABest of luck!

Mike there is a great group that covers Springfield and Branson - google springfield branson REIAWe also have MAREI in the Kansas City Market - plus lots of smaller meetup groups across the state.

I'm independent, no debt, no student loans, very low tuition (with financial aid grants), rent of $500 per month, credit score above 750 and a small chunk of change saved up in the amount of $15,000. 

That should have a name and mailing address.As far as a phone number, use google, once you have the name, you should be able to dig up a phone number

Google Zillow CEO sells house and see how accurate his Zestimate was.

I own and operate my own real estate porfolio, so I have sort of drunk my own Kool Aid =)  I enjoy real estate so much I am now considering expanding into other areas of investment, such as flips, and wholesaling.

Our auctions require cash or cashier checks in hand there is not settlement, but that may be different in Maryland.To learn your local rules I recommend 3 things.1) attend a few auctions to see how it works, talk to the regulars you find there2) Find a good foreclosure attorney and pay them for an hour to get them to explain how it works, Hint, they are all listed in the public notices 3) Google the Maryland foreclosure laws and read up on themGood luck!

I don't know what name it goes by now but I am sure if you google his name you will find it.

BP has been an amazing aid with the books, webinars, podcasts and calculators!