I think a great way to begin using BP is to read the Bigger Pockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing as Josh and Brandon did a great job with it.And now that you're here we'd love to see you be an active member of the BP community so be sure to set up Keywords Alerts for your local area such as "Mankato" or "Subject to" if you're looking to find potential opportunities for investing or education in a subject.

Yes, I would highly recommend both the Ultimate Beginner's Guide and the Book On Flipping Houses.Using material prices is one way to come up with an idea of rehab costs.

Also check out BP Ultimate Guide to Screening Tenants and you should be starting off on the right foot.

Here you will meet wholesalers who provide deals and all the cash buyers (rehabbers) you will need.Good read The Real Estate Agent's Ultimate Guide to Working with Investorshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/08/24/real-estate-agents-working-with-investors/You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing or vacation rentals.

Time to build the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

The tax guy will be able to guide you through the process of organizing your receipts and tracking your expenses.

Here are a few recommendations for you: Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts Read Beginner’s Guide http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing and check out BP Podcast.

Just start plugging into the forums, listening to the podcast and reading the Beginner's guide to investing.

Time to build the foundation below.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.

Read the beginners guide and listen to all the podcasts.