With that being said,  I just read a book about buying and selling apartment complexes and one of the things discussed by the Author was business partnerships. 

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck 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 the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

If crime and safety are issues, then work on helping neighbors communicate better.If the area is safe but burdened with a bad rep, the work on promotion.If the area is doing fine but abandoned, then make sure good news storied get picked up in local media.I wrote an entire book on the topic.

I have read some whole selling books and figured I could start there but I want to do flips, buy and hold.

Novogradac is always a good consulting resource if looking for a contact to guide you thru application and allocation.

I've been reading some recommended books and listening to many BP podcasts.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bpThe second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I read one book.

Hey @Charles Lewis Pinto - If you plan to invest out of state, you should start by reading David Greene's book on long distance real estate investing.

Also, Brandon's book on rental property investing and Ken McElroy's books are good multifamily reading material to check out.