I'm so excited and eager to get started and most of all, get all the support, advice, guidance and work to be truly successful in this business!!!  

As far as I know, all three have experience in everything from a mop-and-paint to new construction.If you're looking for data support in Snohomish County, I know @Doug M. has been doing a fair bit of work with analytics, might be something you'd want to look in to.As for me, I'm just a small time buy-hold rentals guy, but maybe we'll have a reason to talk business after I wrap up my current purchase, or just shoot the breeze at the next BP meet-up.Cheers, and welcome to the community!

Mgmt companies, put an offer on an additional duplex line up construction / support crews, etc.

I am not eager to deal with the natives in Fredericksburg, but I am not unwilling if there is a good deal to be had.I have more support in Richmond because my family is there.  

I'm loving all the support here on BP. 

Like you as a mortgage underwriter, I have many years of experience being a professional supporting real estate investors as a CPA, but I now wanted to become a real estate investor myself.In late November of last year, like you're doing this November, I wrestled with the question of investing locally with a 4-unit purchased with FHA financing vs. investing out-of-state and got a lot of great advice.Like you, my goal is to retire within the next 10-15 years via real estate investing.As a result of some of the advice I've read through the forums (I would recommend you pay attention to guys who have been in real estate for decades like @Jay Hinrichs rather than the younger folks who are often just pushing their turnkey products) and speaking to investors at local real estate groups, I decided that given my place in life I would be wiser to place my bets on California appreciation over the next 20-30 years rather than investing in some beat-down property in Cleveland for an extra $400 or whatever in cash flow per month.Given the facts that (1) I could get into a property for a measly 3.5% down, which would free up cash to invest in other places if I so chose, (2) I was already throwing away rent every month such that I could still be cash flow negative of $650/month (what I was paying in rent) and still be better off because a portion of my monthly payment would be building my equity and the rest would be tax deductible, and (3) I'm in my 20s and have the time to take a long-term view of appreciation potential, it was a no-brainer to go the FHA 4-plex route in LA, despite the fact that it is one of the most expensive markets in the country.This isn't to say that the process was easy.  

I'd love to connect with you and support one another as the journey begins!  

Hi Tom,Welcome...check meetup.com for RE support groups in your area and continue to educate yourself and network with other investors who you like.Have a great weekend!

I have supported Real Estate related Veteran Organizations such as Building Homes For Heroes and The Veterans Homestead Project by helping locate  properties, donating materials and volunteering my time.  

I would also suggest to start advertising in case some leaves.Good luck!