I’d like to meet investors in Kansas, preferably Topeka or Lawrence area who’d be willing to meet and let me pick their brain about starting out

The REALLY hard one in my experience is handyman and general contractors, those guys, especially if you want to pay a reasonable price are extremely hard to find, they come and go I've been through so many of them and the adage of "Price, Quality, Speed, pick only 2" really holds true here.

I too am from Calgary picked up a side by side in Penbrook at a good price and currently legalizing the basement suites too officially make it a four suite property. 

Once you have this team in place, you should be able to confidently invest in any market.As for picking a specific market - I would go after one with an increasing job and population growth.

You will be amazed at how much knowledge you will pick up form local REI clubs.

I'll probably pick your brain again in the future if you dont' mind ! 

@Eric James it’s important to read things in its totality and not pick particular parts of the scenario to chime in on.

Are they nit picking or complaining now, if so-- you'll be in for a ride. 

However, my wife seems nervous a little bit to have a lawyer as a tenant, concerning their may abuse their professional advantage, victimizing the landlord and leading us to a possible vulnerable situation, as they may pick up on any tiny issue to make a big deal.

After you pick the market, work on building a team.