The local facebook groups are a great place to start 

We have ended up being the latter a couple of times in 7 years because we started off trying to be helpful, but have put policies in place to avoid it:Our rule of thumb is that you can’t be behind by more than your security deposit.  

I have been thinking of starting with flipping a home and gaining experience on what it is like.

I recommend investing close to home at least to get started

However, it's important to remember this trend started in the not too distant past, and for a very long time before that the norm was separate rooms, so it's not surprising that there are actually considerable disadvantages of open floorplans and advantages of more traditional ones.Opening the kitchen to the rest of the house has to be one of the worst aspects of this trend.

Any advice on loans or anything would be truly appreciated.  1) Find a way to increase your income, whether that's working more hours or learning a new skill and starting a side hustle.

A good starting point could be a discussion with an investor focused lender.

The second property company was ok but at the end of last year they abruptly sent me notice that thethere was going to be a new one starting the following moth.

Basically a mentorship so I can learn the ins and outs of getting started. 

Best of luck getting started!