@Nehemias PonceThere are some excellent podcasts on youtube.

@Simcha Davidman seek for a local wholesaler and learn the trade, you will get the best deals that way, I agree with @Judy P. when she suggests to start with Single Family, what if you really don't like being a landlord of one family, how will you handle multiple? 

Anyone suggestion some up and coming states?

I would suggest that you check out our local real estate investor groups.

In terms of building this team, a suggestion was made that I should have a good team before going into deals.

Although there are still challenges (as with most older towns) things have been steadily improving for many years now - most residents love the place and are excited about the many amenities & general direction of the area.I would love to find a local wholesaler or other sources of good deals - any suggestions on where to look? 

I'd suggest joining the local REIA, the Bluegrass Real Estate Investors Group, They have regular monthly meetings.

If you don't want to (or not ready yet) to go self-directed route, do as Mindy suggested and rollover your 401k into Vanguard IRA and invest into one of their index funds.

What do you all suggest?

I'm looking for the basic Word, Excel, Powerpoint version that only I need and not anyone else.