@Skip Gilliam,I'm going suggest taking wisdom from both Marcus Auerbach together in addition to reading up on self-directed retirement accounts and business entities known as "IRA LLCs" and "401(k) LLCs".Quick story to explain the thought:One of the folks in my investing group did a gut-rehab on an upscale home as his first project.

If you don't identify a specific path you are likely to get lost in the information overload, or worse, noise.Since you're local to KC I suggest you join the local REI group MAREI.

And let me invite you to visit the Metrolina REIA group in Charlotte. 

Welcome to the group @Danny DhannuYou will love it here in BP.

@ANNA BOBROVAWelcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.Seeing that you are uncertain about your area of interest, I added three links to the most popular REI niches for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I'm new to the group and looking forward to learning and advancing my real estate ventures in the new year.

I'm new to the group and looking forward to learning and advancing my real estate ventures in the new year.

There are several groups in Columbus that meet and talk REI.  

Account Closed Hi, I am guessing you are asking me :-)  I am going to continue to grow the real estate investing group I formed in 2015, which grew to 500+ members, and continues to grow.  

@Antonio Coleman Excited to be joining a great group of individuals on this site!