I am hoping to use the knowledge I gain from interacting with people on biggerpockets and members in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to grow my understanding of real estate.

I would highly encourage you stay as active on the forums and blogs as possible, you will learn a lot more by interacting.

A GIS system is basically an interactive mapping database, which shows parcel maps and property owner information (and a lot more).If this county does have a GIS mapping service, you can usually find it by Googling: "County, State, GIS" or you can use a service like AgentPro247.com, which pulls this information from all of the counties in the U.S.

So far that is the only interaction I have had with the group in over a month.

Jump in and get active -- the fun really starts when you begin to interact and make new colleagues and connections.

And don't forget a photo - you'll find better interactions here on the site when people can recognize you in multiple threads.

I look forward to interacting with you guys and gals on the boards!

I would recommend fully filling out your profile and adding a picture (it really enhances interaction and networking).

When work was being done I made it a point to find time to interact with my contractors, asking questions and getting my hands dirty.

That should give you at least a couple move outs/leases to do, some maintenance, upkeep, social interactions, maybe a police call to get your feet at least damp.