There are plenty of experienced investors here that spend lots of time helping new investors.One way to find investors in your area is keyword alerts.

I do like Provident because there are no surprises it's all done by the book.They've got to be doing something right I've seen them fund 9 billion in a quarter and they continually have 4-8% market share.

@Gerald Harris and @Daniel Ringwald, thank you for spending the time to respond.

Mind you, me and most of my friends are in the construction industry and a lot of our answers were similar to,"Spend a couple hundred in some tools, buy a cheap (~$500) car/truck and find the nearest job site."

I'm not planning on making the same mistakes twice---especially when there are so many new ones to make (hopefully not--that's why I'd like to meet other investors who are learning what to do, as well as what not to do).When you get to town, spend some time with your beautiful baby boy and get to know him--and take you wonderful and patient wife out for a nice dinner.

Unfortunately, my current career is in a related field; spending a lot of time in unpleasant places.

I have been working in the corporate world for 10+ years.I have a desire to own my own business and create a lifestyle where I can spend more time with my family while still working hard.

I have been spending weekends out looking at open houses to meet people in the business.

@John Weidner ...I'm from Des Plaines and spend a ton of time in the city!

I'd recommend spending some time learning the good vs. bad areas, but Tacoma is awesome cause it's super big but lower prices still so it's not impossible to get in (like Seattle can be.)