I am really interested in investing the market I sale in as an active realtor.

I'm also just starting to actively market to find good deals. 

Also I'm a member of an organization called BOMA - Buildings Owner Management Association.They have several building owners and have a very active community.

I invest in lower B class properties in a strong market (Nashville) where I can cash flow (NOI even after all set-asides for PM, major repairs, etc) about $300 a month for every $170K home I purchase.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

There seems to be quite a bit of BP activity from our town of Springfield, MO.

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to be "active" or "passive" as a real estate investor. 

In full disclosure my business partner is the President of the REIA and I am an active component in it as well, but it is a great place to network and learn new strategies and skill. 

The money lost on this back then (when this was an active post) would be 600k minimum (ugh). 

My plan: I have been actively looking and visiting properties for sale in the Chattanooga, TN area.