I am currently 61 years old and have about 30 years of construction management experience and about 30 years of having a real estate broker license in state of Texas. 

You can invest in a good or bad two family in RI or Mass equally, but having a a 20 minute vs. 1 hour daily commute, or being able to see family multiple times a week vs once or twice a month can be pretty important.So I would say choose between those areas first, then when you're ready to start analyzing specific properties to see if you want to put offers in on any of them, there are a lot of resources here on Bigger Pockets for learning to analyze properties, such as the rental property buy and hold calculator.I don't do a lot of owner occupied purchases for myself at this point so the Conventional 97 is new to me also (and has only been around since Dec 2014) but it looks like there are many pages comparing it to FHA so I'd recommend just spending the time to research the differences a bit.You'd want to make sure that if you use a mortgage broker s/he is licensed in RI and Mass (if you still haven't decided between the two), and I'd say to make sure when you are comparing the two options that you consider all the monthly costs (e.g., including private mortgage insurance payments in addition to the regular monthly principal/interest payment) and that you consider all the up-front costs.

Most agents are only licensed in one state, maybe two if they live in a border town. 

Each state has different laws as to how to properly serve. 

Things that have come to my mind are:Finding locations - how to pay and willing companies with space or charititys with space to make it affordableHow to advertise for interested membersDo I need a license to run a group of this sortWhen to consider charging membersWhat to do during these meetingThese are the things that have crossed my mind.

They are always willing to help you get licensed and direct you to the online and in person classes.

(labor or licensed realtor).  

If this is true and the county ( Jefferson, Alabama) did not properly record the vacant land parcel I am assuming the tax sale would be void.

I am not yet licensed, so I cannot yet offer to manage others' properties, but I will ask around here in Naperville for recommendations. 

By doing that you should be able to raise the rent and possibly the sales price depending on the demand.The best way to make more money is to be prepared to move to the hot areas and by buying small apartments and working your way up to make enough to be able to hire an experienced Property Manager or a Property Management Company to take care of the daily needs, both maintenance and occupancy,  that is experienced in that area or type and will report you regularly on what you need to properly oversee their efforts and the properties financial status.One good thing is that many smaller apartment complexes are owned by Mom and Pop.