Here are a few recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsIf you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select that person below.

Listen to the podcasts if you haven't already, set up key word alerts to find out about topics and geographies that interest you, and stay active on the site!

http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetAlso, be sure to set up “keyword alerts” to notify the topics that interest you. 

If you do a keyword search for your area, you should be able to find other investors in your area.  

Here are a few recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts Read Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing Check out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/ If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select that person below.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetAlso, be sure to set up “keyword alerts” to notify the topics that interest you. 

There is a ton of flipping resources there.Finally -be sure to setup some keyword alerts - especially for "Murrieta" so you can jump into local conversations.See you around the forums!

Also - here's a couple articles you might enjoy:The 21 Best Real Estate Investing Books EverHow to Start Investing In Real Estate at a Young AgeOh - and if you haven't yet- be sure to setup some "Keyword Alerts."

You did not mention where the engineering school was located, but if its located in the United States, investigate an FHA 3.5% down payment mortgage for 30 years with an interest rate of 4% max, which would require owner occupancy at least a year (you'll be there two years). 

Key word alerts are great tools.I'm a few hours south of you, but hope to move back to Seattle in the future.