The answer to your question probably depends on other lifestyle factors, and your goals with your real estate portfolio.

Quote from @Eric Gerakos: Michael, why would you invest in UNSECURED note funds when you can buy notes SECURED by real estate that are currently paying 10% for 2 or 3 year interest only terms?

I have always been interested in real estate and engaged in BiggerPockets loosely while in college at West Virginia University.

The best part is the free CD is nothing more than a bunch of vague suggestions about how you can make all this money in real estate and vague bragging sessions about how he has been around so long and wants to give you all his knowledge before he croaks (paraphrased) Someday I will be completely immune to the crooks attempts at separating me from my hard earned money.

Here’s a more polished version of your message:Hello BiggerPockets community,A close friend has been encouraging me to get into real estate investing for years.

I'll never forget what he told me, If you ever want to start purchasing real estate simply call this guy and write him a check and don't ask any questions.

Best of luck in your real estate investing!

Warning:If you depreciate a property down near zero and then have to sell your property at a loss during a situation of distress...You could end up giving all the proceeds to the bank AND owe the IRS a big chunk of money for recapture.Long-term tax planning with real estate needs to be coupled with risk management and making sure you don't lose any properties.

And are there any meet up groups you would recommend joining for real estate investing ?

BiggerPockets does have a marketplace where you can list properties, and you may also want to connect with local real estate investors who specialize in house hacks.