In terms of buying a distressed second property with your partner, if you're interested in buying in NJ (JC or any other place), I suggest you start attending local NJ REI meetups in the area to get acquainted with  investors, wholesalers, and other RE professionals from the area.

I live in Atlanta, GA and am looking to network and meet fellow Real Estate Investors and professionals in the area, and am curious to hear some different opinions on this topic that has had me questioning how I want to start for quite some time.

It's relatively close to everything and is pretty much smack dab in the middle of the areas you've visited.Each area you mentioned has different features as I'm sure you noticed when visiting. 

Normally I suggest listening to the podcasts or reading the blog posts but it sounds like you've already go that covered :)As far as networking, Bigger Pockets has a great member search feature you could use to search for members in Rhode Island, then you could reach out to some directly.You could also attend a networking group in or near Rhode Island such as RIREIG or Black Diamond REI.

I've set time in my schedule each week for REI research and professional development that PB will definitely be part of.I also would really like to get involved in a local REI community, So thanks, @Alexander Wardell for the suggestion, I will look into the upcoming events for the Boston Real Estate Guild!

You will act professionally, politely, and respectfully, even when a tenant doesn't.

I worked alongside professionals as a "helper" With pretty much no construction experience, they put me on the dirty grunt work, cleaning rat poop, removing the old toilets, scrubbing down baseboards, etc. but as I was doing that, I was watching every single thing they did, and pestered them with tons of questions on how to do things and different techniques.

I tried to overcome that objection by explaining that, unlike a LTR, STR's are professionally cleaned almost weekly and during that time they are inspected for damage and if any, repairs are made immediately.

You can use your money however you like, but it will still be taxable.Highly recommend sitting down with a tax professional and figuring out your exact situation.

You did not say if you are going to hire professional installers or do it yourself.