The beginners needs to learn property management themselves to keep expenses down and stands a better chance of surviving without a permanent pm on the payroll.  

If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing and The BiggerPockets Podcast.

They also have specific meetings focused on Deals, Marketing, Beginners, Renovations.

Even as a beginner, I understood from what I had already studied that there was in fact a way to make this happen; I just wasn't sure where to start. 

As a beginner, you're not going to get involved in any bulk NPN transactions.

Have you already downloaded and read the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to REI.

If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing and don't forget to set up your Keyword Alerts!

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Most of the other groups tend to attract beginners.

Hi All,My name is Jovan and I'm a beginner investor from the Boston area.