Investing locally is a good way to get your feet wet and it's a lot more practical than having to take a flight out to see your property.

(And of course, I don't rent just to nurses, as discriminating on the basis of income source would be illegal and not cool.

Basically it will tell you the demand, pretty cool tool.

a) Buy a commercial multifamily property between 5 and 10 units to get my feet wet in commercial real estate.               

The cool thing about the RE community is that everybody is willing to teach.

I have a W2 and other investment income, so it isn't like I am dependent on it, but just a cool milestone in the back of my mind.

I have even seen copper on steam heating system uses as part of a wet return, that isn't exactly a waste line, but it is a line where water drains back to the boiler not unlike how a waste line drains. 

NewBo brought some much-needed life to that area and dare I say, made it a bit cool? 

While I am excited to get my feet wet so to speak, I am looking to see what feedback I can get regarding both options from the collective wisdom on these forums.

You want to ensure you get your feet wet on a smaller scale if you do it on your own or find a good partner to "hold your hand" in the first deal.