I would suggest connecting with brokers as they will be able to better guide you.

I also recommend you get in touch with an agent if this is your first time buying property, as they will be able to show you multiple homes and guide you through the process for your locality. 

Not only does BP have free informative forums for you to learn and comment on, it also has free online courses, guides, and success stories from other real estate investors!

Have you already read the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to REI here https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingIt would be a good start as it shows you the paths you can take to start in REI

There's a free kindle version on Amazon now:  "BiggerPockets Presents: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Joshua Dorkin and Brandon Turner (BP hosts). 

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.I hope this basic guide helps.

@Brian H.Yes... maybe the ultimate beginners guide is pretty good.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Plus...escape velocity...Episode 113 – Jay Papasan - Very practical slow and steady adviceEpisode 221 - Tim Shiner - his concept of equity build up and "shearing the sheep" shows some of the flexibility of real estate vs a 401k Last but not least, I strongly recommend all the tax advice given by my fellow CPAs.Amanda HanBrandon HallTax Reform Update – Brandon Hall and Amanda Han Linda Weygant GuidesUltimate Beginners Guide Forum StickiesBP Calculators or spreadsheets uploaded by membersMy Favorite Books I have to say all of the BP books…right?