We love Denver and California, but I don't yet know that much about those markets for buy-and-hold investing.

I live in the Raleigh area and attending my last year of college.

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

I attended some Lifestyles Unlimited events but didn't want to shell out $12k for some mentoring.

And you are absolutely right, I need to start attending the local REIA meetings.

@Tyrus Shivers usually attends the Meetup in Columbia (and @J Scott @Ned Carey @Terry Royce , among other BPers) -http://www.meetup.com/bwimeetup2nd Wednesday of each month.  

Jump on the forums, listen to the podcast, attend your local REIA meetings and get yourself educated.  

Virtually no student loan.I currently work as a painter in a local painting company for my 9-5I attended a $50 weekend workshop this past february and saw a lot of red flags despite not really knowing much about real estate.

She really wants me to attend Rich Dad Poor Dad sessions, but I'm wary about spending money on something like that when I can learn it in other ways (I'm pretty good about self-education).But come the end of the year, I should have enough to be able to move on my options above if I want to.

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.