I decided I want something at most 30-45 minutes away from boston. we have alot of contruction worker family members with contractor friends so I think finding something we can rehab may be the smarter thing to do since it will help raise the value and maybe even the rent.

I'm looking to getting my RE license and am wondering if there are any investor friendly brokers out there (preferably brokers that are REI themselves) that I could be looking to hang my license under when I'm done with my classes.  

The folks around here did the same thing you did, do it yourself or get friends and family to help. 

I was told by a family friend who has invested with his own money in rentals, that I need to get pre-approved before I do anything.

We want to network with local wholesalers and investors and also if you know of any Investor Friendly agents, title companies in the area, that would be great!

My friend recommended I check out a site ZipCongo.com.

Myself and a friend are looking to get into real estate investing, specifically buy and hold or flipping, and we've been doing our due diligence over the past few months listening to podcasts, reading books, etc.  

Have a good friend who owns property in Charleston, SC on Congress Street.  

Myself and a friend are looking to get into real estate investing, specifically buy and hold or flipping, and we've been doing our due diligence over the past few months listening to podcasts, reading books, etc.

Ask him for references from current users.