I need to take a step back, not get ahead of myself, and recollect for a bit.

But thanks for stepping off your high horse to answer, I know it must have been tough for you...

Do that for a few months, and you'll have a more defined opinion on what your next step will be - house hacking, getting a real estate license, trying to wholesale, partnering up with someone, etc.

Is that a good first step? 

I'm new to reaI estate investing, but the BRRR method is quite intriguing.  

Should I be networking with buyers first? I'm under the assumption that if I find out what buyers are looking for I can narrow my search with laser precision. Curious to hear everyone's opinion

It's been a huge source of education and inspiration for me and my husband on our REI  journey.As to next steps, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust, and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

Will definitely make that next step in talking to an agent.

That might give people an idea on what your first steps could be. $5000 wont be enough to buy a rental in the traditional sense, so what's the plan?

It's your money, take that extra step to assure your unit gets leased if that's what it takes.