Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged. http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere http://www.biggerpockets.com/ubg http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Setting up Keyword Alerts How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets 25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessREI 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.http://www.realestate.com/advice/buying-your-first-investment-property/ However, this site thrives on interactions and as such we encourage two way exchanges and look forward to educational and thought provoking ideas relevant to REI.

Elmwood village is great but a little pricey for me at the moment, thinking about West Buffalo as well close to Richmond but not as familiar with the areas enough to feel confident (I know it's going into a Renaissance mode but like any city, has its good and bad pockets)For 2016 I plan to buy at least 2 more properties, ideally 1 as a flip and 1 SFH rental, then continue to multiply my output moving forward.Any suggestions, insight, tips, or contacts would be much appreciated, may you all have a wonderful and prosperous day ahead of you.Best Regards,Derek Browning

@Dmitriy Fomichenko thank you for the useful tips!

I'll keep the tip in mind.  

We don't have a letter, but we moved a family to a hotel for a week when we remodeled their apartment.

I want to thank bigger pockets for the helpful tools and tips without you all I would have never closed.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere http://www.biggerpockets.com/ubg http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Setting up Keyword Alerts How to Use @Mentions on BiggerPockets 25 Tips for Real Estate SuccessBefore your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips. http://www.realestate.com/advice/buying-your-first-investment-property/ eBookhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets- community-book Blog http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/09/how-to-start-investing-real-estate-young/ Lastly, don't forget the podcasts, webinars, #askbp podcast and the blogs.

Thanks for the tips, keep them coming!

But thanks for the tips:)  I do currently have some phone calls out to a few realtors so that I can see which one I am most comfortable with.  

I've also added your other suggestions to my list of books to read.Thanks for the tip on the lower Central Valley.