I’ve been reading, running numbers, listening to podcasts and networking seriously for the past 5-6 months and plan to continue this and save for the next 6 months before I make my first investment.I want to invest in apartments, 30, 40, 96 units etc is my target and keep going to build an empire from there.I don’t know how to get started.

If anyone has empirical observation of a successful start-up in a current market (in MD/VA/DC/DE area, with low entry level of under $170K for entire project costs), then I am open to hear what marketing strategy worked for them.

scarcity in land to build on or very difficult permitting process's determine values in Owner occ areas.. and of course without Jobs any real estate or town / city can wither and die. 

Over the last week I have been building my team of contacts to begin flipping houses here in Southern California (Inland Empire specifically).

I would consider the inland empire as it's kinda local for you, more affordable and fast growing.

There are many fine companies that specialize in land sales.

I get caught up in creating this empire and I need to learn how to crawl before I can walk. 3 tenants love the apartment and its location.

To your future empire,Danelson

Now, do what all my above brothers and sisters have opined.Moog the library (dont really know what 'moog' means, just hit me at the moment. . . insert synthesize a la Robert Moog)Secondarily, find a mentor building the empire that you want to build, and create maad value for them. . .before you ask for help.Thirdly, welcome home.

For instance, job loss could crash your real estate empire.