Here is one recommendation as you begin your REI journey.Make sure to have your team around you before you start, or as Brandon Turner from the BP podcast calls it, your CORE4. 

I had a project last year that a sub hit a conduit that was marked out and the utility made a claim many months later.

I know it's a bit scary to start but once you jump in, you'll learn and grow!

Starting with an owner-occupied duplex is a smart way to build equity and gain experience.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

Quote from @Akintunde Aboaba: I’m looking to start investing in real estate this year and would appreciate insights from experienced investors on the best strategies in today’s market.

I’ve been dreaming the last few years of starting an event venue, something for weddings, gatherings, etc., preferably with a great outdoor space.

Is $50k enough to get started?

In many places there are some utilities provided by the municipality.

It normally doesn't cost you any money to open and to be able to access that large amount of equity to buy or stabalize your current portfolio allows you so much more opportunity costs.For instance, I took a $200K LOC out on my primary residence when I first started in real estate.