You can expect progress to be slow at the start but if you put your head down and work there is a good chance you can build up a healthy following within 6-12 months.  

Narrow down your REI options using these criteria and hone your research that way. if you're honest with yourself about what you and your family are looking to gain from your investment, besides a healthy ROI, you'll find your direction pretty quickly.Also, since you mentioned the Morris podcast (which I have heard good things about) I would suggest you check out the thread with investor experiences if you haven't already. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/92/topics/320...As a new investor, you need to be on the look out for things that seem to good to be true, any providers (but, sadly, especially so-called 'turnkey' providers) that don't communicate, only accept cash, can't or won't offer data-based information upfront, don't have a physical office to visit in the market they invest in, or have a "hottest deal in town, will sell out soooooon!!!"

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/0...Blog post from one of my favorite guys on BP Ben Leybovich (Between Brandon Turner's infectious enthusiasm and Ben's cynicism, I think I've hit a healthy balance). 

I am new to real estate and hope to learn as much as I can from these forums, with the future intent of building healthy friendships and business partnerships with the BP community.

If I'm lucky, maybe we can get a little healthy debate going. ;-)

If the heath scare issue occurred a month of two earlier the entire project could have turned into a train wreck, so plan head, even if your partner looks young and healthy.

We eventually sold that house for a healthy profit last year and bought a place that we really love with a huge down payment.  

My family is healthy, new addition in 3 weeks, and my business is thriving. 

Do a month to month contract for one person, but have that person bring in his/her friend, provide a safe and healthy environment, and you're golden.

I like the Idea of MultiUnit investing but geez even though I feel I have a moderately healthy initial investment So Cal prices are crazy.