The responses here are very interesting, I posted a similar topic a few days ago and everyone was very negative on the information provided within.

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.

Time to build the foundation below.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.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

I know this is off-topic--can I ask why you've chosen to exclude those professions?

If you have not already done so you might read through the Learn section above, it has loads of information. you can also set key word alerts to keep up on topics of interest to you.

I've been studying and reading the articles And forum posts here for a little while.

See Jon Klaus' example:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/44/topics/112955-new-austin-duplexHope you have a great visit to Austin.

If Verizon is like AT&T you might be able to access retirement through self directed IRA's giving you an endless supply of private money.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.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/114766-east-bay-meetup---wed-2-16-14-in-oakland

Welcome Pat - Be sure to check the podcasts as well - lots of topics and good information.