I have been the speaker at both the main DIG meeting and the subgroup meetings, it is a large well organized REIA with lots of good content and good contacts.

But, I was going to try to organize a Meetup group for that area this spring.

To focus your studies, have a look at your state specific RE commission/organization website. 

There are also community organizations that give down payment assistance for first time home buyers.

I am looking for a breakdown of how to organize my cost? 

I like to include a variety of places for food, drinks, entertainment/attractions special to that location, sports, groceries, and music.

We're thinking of using Landlord Studio or Rentec to keep track of income/expenses at the property-level, but would still need a way to track expenses for the organization (not associated with any individual property), as well as tracking capital accounts for owner contributions. 

Are there organizations that advocate for Landlords in regards to National or State government policy?

@Clive Phillips welcome and I love the enthusiasm and also your organization to get prepared quickly.

The organization operates nine shelters in the area, each of them slightly different.