Way to use all the resources at your disposal to get into the REI game!   

There are so many resources, free ones, that can help you get started.

The first meeting is free so I'm going to go to see what their meetings are like and get to know a few people and then decide if it's helpful to me in the long run.Definitely take advantage of all of the resources here on BP but nothing replaces getting to know your local market and the network you can create that will help you get off the ground.Best of luck and hope to see you Wed!

BP is maybe the greatest free resource to help you get started in Real Estate Investment there is on the internet.

He owns multifamily over in that area, and would be a great resource. 

A lot of Don Campbell's books have good resources in them, but he can get a little bit preachy towards the REIN (Real Estate Investment Network) which he tends to pitch pretty hard in his books. 

What are the pros and cons of such deal versus a comparably sized and located investment in a classic multi family (...where you own the building and land directly).Any resources you guys have that I can educate myself on?

What we have done: all new kitchen 6 years ago, all new bathrooms last year, new energy-efficient windows and sliding glass door, new drywall texturing, new base and case, created a 4th bedroom in the basement (cut a window and finished the room), new HVAC 4 years ago.

I'm a huge believer in focusing your energies in 1 or 2 areas rather being a hack at everything. 

@Mark Skaff Here are the basic tools and resources you need to get you started:Listing Platforms:Realnex.com - I useCostar.com - I useCatalyst.com - I useBrevitas,com - I useCrexi.com - I useLoopnet.com - I do not useCRM, customer relationship management options, you only need one:Realnex - I useClientlookApto - SalesforceDigsyMarketing package creator, you only need one:Buildout - I useRealnex - I useMicrosoft PublisherAdobe InDesignMarket and financial analysis - advanced tool:STBD - Site-To-Do-Business (Demographic and Psychographic) - I useCostar.com - Rent and sold comp and market analysis data - I useThe Analyst Pro - Online Financial Analysis toolHP10bii calculatorFuel.com - financial analysis toolRPR Commercial - I useNot all these are mandatory and there are many more that compete with the above, these are ones I've used in the past or currently using now.The key is that you have a listing platform outside the MLS, a CRM to track you contacts, clients, properties and deals, a way to create a stunning marketing package, and market and financial analysis tools.