It is inexpensive and the training is good.

I would love to network with people in my area and learn more about how others cope in expensive areas such as my own.

Below are some links that I hope you will find helpful as well as some tips to get you started on the site.Start here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereFind and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetCheck out the BP Podcast:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/Definitely check out the beginner's guide and set up your keyword alerts like @Larry Fried suggested.Since you are from the Bay Area, I would also like to throw in a plug for an article by one of my favorite bloggers on the site, @Scott Trench about investing in expensive cities: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/07...If you are looking to build long term wealth but do not have much of a personal finance background, I suggest you check out the rest of his articles as well, they are great for 20 somethings.Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of participating in the forums!

Do inexpensive, not cheap.

Food is very inexpensive and expats can more than comfortably "get by" wanting for nothing on $1400/mo this includes all expenses (gas, food, drinks, housing, utilities, phone, entertainment, etc.) 

You learned some good, 'inexpensive' lessons, and live to do another deal :) Awesome!

Chickasha is still inexpensive to buy in and there is the college.

Won't bill you for every question you ask via email, over the phone or in person and does LLC's as inexpensively as you'll find.  

If so, it looks like a conventional mortgage (5% interest with 20% downpayment), insurance, and tax would generate $2,776 per month in expense.

Then you get to the "50% rule" which again is a "rule of thumb" that states that on average, about half of your rental income (excluding mortgage) will be eaten up in expenses (examples, maintenance, taxes, any HOA fees, vacancy in the rental unit, etc, etc).