I've read a couple books and watched a plethora of YouTube videos on real estate investing.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since your interest lies in buy and hold, I added the below links for your review while you wait for local connections via networking.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Go to “Recent Projects” in the top menu bar and you’ll find a link that will take you to pics and videos of our progress throughout the project. 

They collect primary data from courthouses, mortgage companies, etc. and they cross-reference that data which allows you to pull records - for example - of only absentee owners with 40% or more equity, etc.FYI -You might enjoy this free REI education video: Creating Campaigns that Fit Your Budget.

I am educating myself as much as possible in Real Estate by reading books, watching videos and other networking.

I have been sitting in on a few sheriff auctions and watched plenty of the bigger pockets videos.  

@Dulce Beltran not too long ago I posted a blog post and a short video discussing Multifamily classes: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/8514/54703-how-to-determine-the-class-of-an-apartment-buildingHope this helps. 

I started watching BP videos on youtube, and always found some useful informations even though I can call myself veteran in RE industry.

Watch the Video.

There is no differentiation of travel expenses in Pub 527, and although Pub 463 discusses expenses as "business" expenses, it adds no clarity to this for me.