Visit your local real estate investment association (REIA), find someone doing what you want to do, and offer to shadow them for a month or two.

do you actually visit them and try to  make an offer?

If you have not already, we highly recommend you visit the Metrolina REIA group in Charlotte. 

If nothing else, set up a time to visit with one of these and compare them to other recommended managers to see who fits you best.

Admittedly, there are some areas in Waterbury that I wouldn't want to be at night, but that is part of the reason I visited the property a few times on my own.  

I decided to take a step into your world and visit a real estate agency and ask more questions and possibly develop a plan.

Your time here will be well spent.Since you didn't mention a niche of interest, I added three links below for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

@KANE WHITESIDETo learn about he 401k loan rules visit the following link.

Visiting Vancouver right now and amazed by how much new development has been going on along all the skytrain lines.  

Keeping in touch with @Paul Smythe would be a good idea as well as regularly driving, walking and visiting in general to get a feel for the different streets where you're considering investing.