I welcome advice from anyone since I'm a total newbie.My professional background is in tech sales and finance, but I can't wait to get deeply involved in real estate.

We'd all be in the southwest US and I'd like to get my whole family and my partner involved in building our REI portfolio.My goals are to be able to continue my career while also becoming financially free through REI and other investments.

@Gregory HatcherYou have shown good judgment both in responding back to the thread here and most importantly, that for whatever reason, you did not pay anyone $20K to $50K for anything that does not have a deed involved! 

Are you involved in real estate full time?

If you plan on getting more properties it’s going to be more complicated getting commercial loans or sometimes even standard mortgages for under properties under $100k ,,many lenders say the paper and legal involved not worth it for them . buying condos imo gives you less leverage and you have less people who want to loan you the money.

We need to get involved!

I would advise not to involve family members in deals unless you have shown a proven track record and the family member understands the risk of not getting his/her money back.

Then get involved in a local meeetup where you can meet some other like minded investors who can help guide you along the way also.

Average prices, prices per square foot, average sizes, etc. 

Have been involved in multiple 1031s either as a CPA or an investor with him and it always goes smoothly.