This would also assume you can self manage since you mentioned you'd like get into the work side of things too...

Appending onto Nathan's thoughts - It's ultimately about what you negotiate with the partner on the ground.Some management companies (Such as Nathan's) are very helpful to people looking to self-manage. 

Im starting too and feel very lost just because i dont have who to work with, im re searching studying and connecting dots lil by lil my self, but is not complicated, but a patient game, first secure a buyer list, make one, go out to meetings, groups and meet Realestate investors even online call them ask them of they requirements, they needs,  what they exactly looking for and then match them with the houses.

When I wanted to setup an LLC for my self-directed IRA for instance I used KKOS lawyers from the west coast because it's something they specialize in.I don't think you necessarily need to be local with those professionals unless you really want a face-to-face relationship. 90% of whatever you need will happen over phone or email anyway even if they're in town.

If you buy a minimum of about 30 apartment units you can afford a Property Management Company and save your self the daily operations and maintenance which s typically what you want with a W-2 job. 

Anyone taken the course, was it good or bad, did he expect more money after the course to make things happen, most of all is the course effective?  

And with the contracts... do I find an attorney to right that up for me or can I just do it my self??

Or is it much more effective to just conduct a Quiet Title process or another route

I would try searching for keywords such as "property management" and also set up keyword alerts to the same effect.

We have a number of single family houses as rentals and are both self employed as service workers (acupuncturist and chef).