From all my reading/listening to the BP podcast/your guidance above/my own common sense, the biggest item boils down to making sure something is in writing, and I fully intend to make sure all ducks are in a row and written down as a landlord!

welcome to bp @Dean Fiaccoread,ask questions,listen to the podcasts and then get to workgood luck

The first thing I would do starting off, market yourself to all your friends, family, neighbors and anybody who will listen to you.

After listening to the latest podcast with James Wise it makes sense to add JV as part of my arsenal, since I do have friends & family that have funds and have said they want to get into real estate.My questions is: if as an investor I'm bringing: knowledge, research, connections, finding deals and orchestrating a team (rehabber, R.E. agent, bird dog, property management, etc.) -- and the JV partner is bringing money and/or credit, what should the split be?

This app really helped me due to the fact that i always carry my cell phone with me; so, when im bored I just pulled out my phone and began studying while im at work, or listen to the audio while im driving.

I've already downloaded and started the book, and have listened to about 10 podcast episodes so far, and was on the webinar last week!

I'm listening to podcast #29 about Peer-Peer Lending to fund real estate deals both rehab and buy & hold properties.

Welcome, I'm a beginner investor as well from Midland, TX and have been reading the Forums and listening to the podcast. 

In order to get more data points for a good decision I would recommend you continue listening to BP podcasts, join every weekly BP webinar that @Brandon Turner offers (last Thursday's webinar was made for you, so ask Brandon for the replay) and read "The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing".

You'll get a wealth of REI knowledge and learn how to take full advantage of Bigger Pockets (including how to connect with other Columbus investors:).Listen to the podcasts , get active on the forums & set up key word alerts to be notified when people are discussing topics you're interested in.