I am new to the market and would like to work with either an experienced person or fellow newbie looking to explore this space.My background is unrelated to business, but my (initial) beneficial skills would be property research and information collection.

How to learn how to predict crisis for a person who has no idea how to learn that skill?

The rate is set to raise, the taxes are soaring, purchasing power is eroding due to 'skillful' political actions.

In this beautiful age of technology so much is lost with the art of person to person contact.

Zillow is free and requires my skills and experience to make it valuable.

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.

@Art Allen This looks great! 

Handling loss is an art!

It seems your non-PM friend is probably not very skilled at these aspects.Every time you have a vacancy due to poor tenant screening and placement, it costs you a lot of money, in lost rents, make ready, marketing, etc.