You really need to immerse yourself and learn all you can.

Just wondering if there are any local RVA real estate meetups to help immerse ourselves further and maybe meet a mentor.

I concur with networking, listening to podcasts, reading--anything you can do to immerse yourself in the world of real estate investing.

Total immersion and commitment is needed to the art of investing in real estate.

Rates are super low right now, and you can get into a property for as little as 3% down, sometimes less if you play your cards right.If you can find a duplex, triplex of 4-plex, all the better.I'd check out CFRI & GOREIA as well, both are local meetups that have been around for a while.Listen to the podcasts - immerse yourself in knowledge and pay attention to which aspects of REI interest you the most.

I am well into my 2nd year of co-mingling my current career ( film and television ) with my budding real estate investment career, with a goal of full immersion by 2021. 

You are doing the right thing by immersing yourself in the trades.

I think it is all about fully immersing yourself into the industry and spending as much time with other like minding people as possible. 

Definitely check out any local meetups and immerse yourself in all the knowledge here on BP.

Your choice, Milwaukee will provide a playground for every gameplay you choose.For most investors it makes sense to emphazise cash flow in the beginning.