Should I be networking with buyers first? I'm under the assumption that if I find out what buyers are looking for I can narrow my search with laser precision. Curious to hear everyone's opinion

It's been a huge source of education and inspiration for me and my husband on our REI  journey.As to next steps, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust, and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

Will definitely make that next step in talking to an agent.

I wrote up a note for a 50k initial investment and my investor signed the dotted line.

I wrote up a note for a 50k initial investment and my investor signed the dotted line.

That might give people an idea on what your first steps could be. $5000 wont be enough to buy a rental in the traditional sense, so what's the plan?

It's your money, take that extra step to assure your unit gets leased if that's what it takes. 

@Stephan TaylorWhen you post an ad the 3rd step is to post pictures you have already taken.

I'm starting to recoup my initial investment.So what would you do? 

The initial purchase was all cash, and it is rehabbed and now rented with a 3 year lease in place.Based on our partnership agreement, since she brought the deal to the table due to her network, she will get all of her investment capital out first at refinance, and if there remains any invested capital left in the deal, it will be mine.