Suggestions of companies etc?

It doesn't matter if your a retail flipper, wholesaler, landlord, property manager, realtor, lender, or any other aspect of this business.  

@Simcha Davidman seek for a local wholesaler and learn the trade, you will get the best deals that way, I agree with @Judy P. when she suggests to start with Single Family, what if you really don't like being a landlord of one family, how will you handle multiple? 

Anyone suggestion some up and coming states?

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?