Ok, so I am a total newbie to real estate, real estate investing, and social media/forum/computer stuff...o boy! 

You are trying to figure out if you can invest from a distance and learn the tax implications of doing so.  

Thank you @Joshua Dorkin, @Brandon Turner and your entire support staff for creating this knowledge base and social network platform.  

I own a marketing business currently so I am flexible on time and could offer assistance with social media, email marketing automation and web development in exchange for knowledge. 

My advice is just plug in like BP and other real estate sites such as connectedinvestors.com or reiclub .com. and find local rei meetings in your area ,get on social media as well,biggest thing is you got to get connected and get the word out what you do.

They have a VA social worker who will visit monthly to make sure they keep their end of the rental contract.Plus: They live in their last rental for more than 15 years.

My current background is in social work and so I'm looking forward to using my skill set that I already possess in connecting with tenants.

Hands down,  I believe this is will be a great  social networking opportunity .

I know that for a good number of elderly people, one of the problems they have regards loneliness or simply maintaining a fulfilling social life.

This is the cheapest and best education you will get overall.3) Best dollars spend on local networking - Apartment Associations meetings/tradeshows/social events.