For example, I am currently looking at online REEBroker for brokerage service that offers a fixed $500 fee per transaction. 

You definitely don't want a commission split nor do you need the systems and training that the larger brokerages offer.As far as your own purchases, you could start out using a lawyer to review documents and help you understand everything until you have a better grasp on it.

I lived in the south shore and worked in the north shore for a few years using the commuter train to get to work.

@Chris Williams Well, you can find data online showing RE trends, incomes, employment, etc.

There are means to research through municipal records even online and just find the demographic and of geographic area you’re looking for.

Please also do your research to make sure you've explored all your options and looked up any "professionals" who are offering to help, online.

I've only been talking to couple people and researching online for couple weeks.

With online forums it is much easier to invest out of state and out of country these days.We manage 1,000 properties and almost 50-60% are out of state or out of country investors buying in Texas. 

I suggest AdWords if you're going the online route, simple because people will be searching you and submitting info as opposed to just clicking random buttons on Facebook.

As far as calculating interest, it's not difficult to do it on a calculator but you can just go online and find dozens of sites that can do it in just 1 minute.