Payroll, bookkeeping, etc can mostly be done remotely.Here is a great list of questions to ask a potential accountant:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/70447-questions-to-ask-a-cpaAlso check out the www.NAEA.org page in your search.

I have read through the BP beginners guide, 10-15 articles on BP, listened to a few podcasts, read some blog posts, and read a bunch of BP forum posts.

Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere Check out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.

NP, it seems like you've already stumbled across a lot of the good stuff if you've read Ali's blogs and some of my topics on the forums.

If you get many off-market properties or "pocket listings" in the Bay - you could be a very in-demand individual..http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/114766-east-bay-meetup---wed-2-16-14-in-oakland

I highly recommend you read this thread:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/93/topics/58383-the-truth-about-wholesaling-

I have read several articles on BP that seem to indicate that one should create an LLC for rental properties.

2014 is definitely better than 2013.Buying and selling about 4 deals a month.http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/223/topics/121707-real-life-of-a-real-estate-investor

Build your foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Providence is a great market.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.