I would like to find an investor or 2 in Michigan around the Detroit area that could use such skills and work to getting a few of my own properties.

Being able to tell what constitues a deal or not takes skill and experience, hence doing a couple of deals with someone willing to show you the ropes.

I hope to potentially partner with someone seeking a safe and profitable market opportunity utilizing my local presence and renovation skills.

Sounds like your skill set is a great match for real estate investing!

I believe my attorney skills and my dedication can make me very successful in this business.

You won't find any shortage of information on this site. 

I currently work as director-level major gifts fundraiser for a non-profit here, but am hoping to parlay some of my skills to a career in real estate.My mother has worked as a real estate agent for a majority of my life (in TX), even starting her own company / brokerage six years ago, so I've grown up on the fringes of the real estate community.

If you really have good deal on the North Shore there will be no shortage of people willing lend to, partner with, or buy them from you.

Love your planning and organizational skills!!

Over the next 12-18 months, my real estate investment goals are to:1) buy a multi family property as an owner occupant2) become a licensed real estate agent3) continue learning about single family and multi-unit buy and hold strategies4) develop a greater understanding of my local market (where I see few opportunities)5) identify out of area markets where prospects seem brighter such as Baltimore, Richmond, Atlanta (my hometown), and Houston (my next destination if/when I leave DC)6) connect with REI veterans and identify ways my skills can benefit themAs I continue to save money, I hope to begin earning additional income by serving more experienced investors.