Maybe I'm thinking too hard about this, but I'm very cautious person so it's hard for me to jump in the deep end and hope for the best.

The community still has very deep roots.

However if you have deep pockets then you may find good deals in ground ups, value adds, and large multi family residential properties like apartment buildings.

I have just started listening to some of the podcasts today and decided to dive in and introduce myself.I am very green to real estate investing, and sort of got into it by accident.

Also, I am thinking about going back to school to get an MBA with a focus in Real Estate Finance but am not sure if I should skip this step and dive straight into investing.

I want to use one year to condition myself to be ready to dive in! 

I am a newbie myself with a serious deep passion.  

Perhaps a little more education would be beneficial, before you dive into trying to do deals. 

depends on what area of the country your in... in the Deep south were we do a lot of work the only people that are licensed generally are the electrician and Plumber all others have no license no insurance no bond no nothing.. you need to choose them carefully and be on them like hawks.. which my guys do. 

At the very least, I'd like to get those at a deep discount, finish the repairs, and make them great cash flowing properties.