I am trying to save up as much cash as I can for my first real estate investment, a wedding, and possibly a used car. but I am not sure how to tackle this problem.2.

I will certainly tackle the MSAs, but for now I am curious how people would choose from the list to help me define a preferred market. 

You may be able to tackle it.However, if you don't do your own taxes or have only done like a 1040 EZ (and depreciation sounds like something a bad tenant does) find a good cpa with some real estate background.

Ideally I would like to one day get to the point of being able to tackle large value add deals.

My father in law is also a GC but he is a high end millwork , custom kitchen bathroom GC who works mostly in Fairfield County and Westchester-Also, I am looking to connect with contractors/GC who understand flipping , investing-My passion is really new construction-but need to learn before I tackle that beastMark

I've owned this house for 1 year and 2 months so far and ready to tackle another.Goal:  Needing help and creative financing to obtain a 2nd house. 

I'm not quiet sure if I'm in a position to tackle such a project though.

Well, because technically I'm not an investor yet, since I'm still learning the ropes but I'm getting ready to tackle this hard yet rewarding world of real estate investment.I was, and still am, studying real estate investing for around 3 months or so.

Then after you have done this go tackle your first deal.

Many great ideas are shared, which should get your brain to churning to come up with even more or ways to tackle some opportunities you have already come across.Power of Negotiating by Jimmy Napier is another terrific investment.