Find a REIA group or check with the local realtors association to connect with investors.My 2 centsMike

Check out https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/10/1...

Check with your broker for guidance.

MAREI's still here, we meet at the Double Tree on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6 to 9 and we have a meeting after the meeting.1st Meeting is FREE.We have generally 100 in attendance.Come out and check it out, join our community - we did have several from St Joe at the meeting last month. 

Going to start by checking into local REÍ meetups and talking to some friends and family that are doing what I’d like to.

You should check with your 1031 provider quickly.

@Lillian Pintaro,Birmingham’s a lucrative market—it’s been my stomping ground for nearly 20 years, and you can find some excellent deals if you know what you’re after and dive deep by zip code, neighborhood, and city block.For what it’s worth, we manage 2,000+ units (many for out-of-state investors) mostly in the north and west part of town—so think suburbs outside the city limits like Graysville (35073), Adamsville (35005), Mount Olive (35117), Center Point (35215), and the like.Since you’re also open to the surrounding areas, places like Odenville (to the east) and Tuscaloosa (to the southwest) could be worth checking out.

I recommend checking Ohio, its a very beginner/landlord friendly state to get started. 

First, you’ll want to bring in a licensed contractor or architect to check out the kitchen and bathroom.

I heard Baselane is offering assistance, so I will check that out, thanks!