I am new to bigger pockets and wanted to connect to see advice on next steps for RE investing.

Your first step is to learn your state landlord tenant regulations.

I am fully not equipped to move forward just yet, but what is the usual next step after finding a motivated seller in terms of conversation with them?

Virginia landlord tenant law is fairly specific about proper steps to take, so follow it. 

See how nice and helpful people can be when the situation is correctly stated :) @John Andruszka   SO Ya your next step is post pay or quit then file for non-payment, eviction, she's not gonna pay you a dime. is my bet and I bet I'd win that bet..You have no guarantee she'll pay rent, you've given her 2+ extra weeks to move..

For $15 grand, I would pursue justice by legal means.

basically the steps would be1. drive to find a potentially qualified house.2. find out who lives there and what their mailing address is.3. put them into your mailing campaign to start sending them lettersim mainly looking to outsource #2 and #3 and curious as to how you guys do it.  

Even Utah is putting medical MJ on the ballot which is the first step to legalizing recreational.

I guess the next step would be to contact my escrow company or loan provider.

@Mark W Carpenter I think the first step would be talking to lenders.