There are some regular posters on there that have great insights and knowledge being shared for free. 

We have a local lady refer tenants to us on a regular basis.

Does anybody have any input for a regular dude that wants to put his money to work?  

Also, is there another forum that is used more regularly? 

Track everything you are responsible for and review that regularly and it might help you decrease expenses and increase the income.  

you can also find someone on BP to do regular emails with that can help encourage you or motivate you. 

You can't charge extra security deposit either, so it's even more important to do regular inspections of the property to keep on top of any damages that result from the animal's presence. 

I didn't say anything about regular offices.

But if I were you instead of trying to "go it alone" in any part of REI if you are new, find an REI club like @Nathan suggested and find someone to Mentor youe en if you arrange a small fee for a regular time slot to watch them work, an agent, an investor, whoever -- any successful person who's done successful deals and can train you how to think/look, how to select which *type* of REI might be right for you even.

I still have a regular 9-5.