I run the Minnesota (MnREIA) here and we have an online training business that provides websites and when we use Twitter to push those businesses it is in a drastically different manner and mind frame than when we use it for investing and generating leads.But in both cases (micro & macro) Twitter is a supplemental marketing tool and an additional point of contact.

Sid,My only two cents in this conversation is, don't aim too high in your first deal.

You don't learn skills as a self-employed with comrades, you do it all by yourselfWhere the greatest things about BiggerPockets.com is you get to learn stuff and ask questions and most people are very very supportive, more supportive than any other blogs I have encounteredThe problem I think with new people is the focus way too much and marketing in the beginningThis is ready fire aimWhen I  was the US Marines we didn't fire one bullet and until we learn how to aim, meaning getting into a prone position we are selling her on her arm breathing, etcI think you should be spending six months learning the basics of real estate, which includes talking to title companies and finding out what the average procedures are and how can you do some creative deals  such as subject to, lease options wrap around mortgages etc.Also learning how to negotiate with sellers I think is more important marketing in the beginning, be able to give the seller a cash offer and a terms offer

I would 'aim small, miss small', to borrow a line from The Patriot, and wait until you have some experience before tapping the 401(k). 

We have taken it to the next level as not only a nicotine supplement, but a hobby as well. 

Sara, I aim to hold them the second Wednesday every month.

Cardio 3x per week, Heavy weights 2x per week2) Manage diet and stick to it.3) supplementation (daily vitamin, turmeric, D-aspartic, etc)4) Schedule tasks that give a good sense of accomplishment5) Take time to be grateful for opportunities and lessons learned

Here's a very realistic scenario for you:  You are in your 30s, and decide to buy your first rental property to supplement your retirement. 

Despite it all, the Island is making efforts to fix some of the problems: http://www.wsj.com/articles/puerto-rico-aims-to-solve-its-affordable-housing-crisis-1452027904 Lots of investors are looking towards the island.

We've owned a few homes that we've lived in and are looking to supplement our long term income with rental properties.