I would suggest that you check out our local real estate investor groups.

In terms of building this team, a suggestion was made that I should have a good team before going into deals.

Be prepare to pay for retail pricing if you are looking on MLS.

I'd suggest joining the local REIA, the Bluegrass Real Estate Investors Group, They have regular monthly meetings.

If you don't want to (or not ready yet) to go self-directed route, do as Mindy suggested and rollover your 401k into Vanguard IRA and invest into one of their index funds.

So what happens when interest rates rise & then we see a slow down in new construction & retail home sales? 

What do you all suggest?

Yes, it can be used for it, however, I'd suggest investing otherwise and supplementing.

I've linked it below:Niagara N2517CH Sava Spa 1.75 GPMSaving money is nice, but everyone from yuppies to hippies likes saving the world- I suggest letting prospective residents know that you have water-efficient appliances(after you've installed them of course,) most people like being eco-friendly, so you can turn it into a selling point for your apartments. 

I wanted to share with you guys my financial position and some of my goals so I can then ask you guys how you suggest I proceed.First of all I turned 27 years old this June and live in Moore Oklahoma.