Sounds like you've already invested a lot in your education in real estate - kudos to you for putting in the hard work.My top recommendation for next steps: If you haven't subscribed to the podcast yet, I can't recommend it highly enough.

That could be a great way to find and stay engaged with local investors, realtors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsYou can also search for other investors or brokers in your market and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersAnd of course, be sure to subscribe to the podcast - so much great info there and always full of inspiration.

As to immediate advice, if you haven't subscribed to the Bigger Pockets podcast yet, I can't recommend it highly enough.

I think you'll find many like-minded folks here who are working W2 jobs and also launching their REI career...it's challenging but so worth it.If you haven't subscribed to the Bigger Pockets podcast yet, I can't recommend it highly enough.

I recommend setting up keyword alerts for your area so you can start engaging with conversations in the forum that center on those neighborhoods - that can be a great way to connect with like minded folks pretty quickly.Also, f you haven't subscribed to the Bigger Pockets podcast yet, I can't recommend it highly enough.

I'm subscribed to the podcast, but there hasn't been any new episodes in a long time.

I’m subscribing to the thread.Thanks,Marla

Jessica - Perhaps contrary to many other BiggerPocketeers, I subscribe the theory that your 1st purchase should be a home you can live in. 

Found several threads on this topic already I've subscribed to.  

What does that really speak about your business when you try to run off a fan/subscriber instead of having empathy and addressing the issue?