So in the meantime I'd like to start developing contacts and actually talk to people that want to talk real estate hahaSo being that I have about a 70-mile commute does anybody know of a real estate meetings in Manassas Culpeper Warrenton or Charlottesville that would be good for a new investor?

I have even thought about purchasing through turn key such as roofstock to help with long distance investing.

Are you buying this long distance?

BRRRR allows you to build your own teams for long distance investing.

However, I love my GF and these thoughts/actions have nothing to do with distancing myself from her or some negative. 

I’m drawn to David’s BRRRR strategy and his book on long distance real estate investing.

Starting out in long-distance no-money-down BRRRRing in the Rust Belt with unproven boots on the ground working on your "team," insignificant reserves, no time or desire to get out there...now that's going to bankrupt you in a hurry.

We have MBTA commuter rail, P&B bus service and you can drive as far as Braintree and pick up the Red Line trains to go in town. 

Hi All, I am looking to buy a property in Houston Medical Center area (or commutable distance of 20 mins) where I can live for the next one year, and then rent it out.

There is a fairly substantial section specifically on vetting contractors, how to hire them, how to pay them, how to keep them honest, etc:https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/long-distance-real-estate-investing-ultimateEven though you won't be long distance, the entire process he lays out still applies.