I have several things (non-real estate) going on and will focus on this part later in Sept.

To me, that ends the friendship and now you can focus on business.  

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I would ask the sellers what their goals and intentions are with the money they're going to make on this sale and focus the conversation on that.

I look forward to getting to know everyone.Getting started in real estate investment has been on our list every year but this year we have been scaling back the consumer side of our business so we can focus on developing in this area. 

The only thing I've heard of is open houses hosted by realtors but even then I'm unsure of how that process works.If any seasoned investors could also comment what to focus on when going through properties for a newbie that would be greatly appreciated!

Focus on providing clients VALUE, not a discount.Edit: I 100% agree with the post above me.

My advice would be to really narrow your line of focus or niche.

@Andrew Major my primary focus at this time is note investing and I invest in several states across the nation 

I would like to connect with other local investors who are already investing in long distance properties.Many of the local REIA groups seem to be focused only on the local markets.