Welcome @Kiara SpenceThere's alot of great points mentioned.You'll surely want to understand your budget, narrow your focus/objective, work with a lender/broker that understands your goals and put the right people in your corner to help identify deals.Are you going to reside in your primary and buy the rental?

Most of DC is pretty ok to buy or better.

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

I recommend you try managing on your own, but be smart and spend time educating yourself on how to do it well by reading books, listening to podcasts, and interacting in the forums.You convince people you're not foolish by educating yourself.

My parents investment LLC used 1031 exchange money to buy a house that I want to put in my personal name so I can file a PRE exemption. 

I believe that finding good people you trust is a key part of findings by a good syndication partner. 

Over the next year or so, I plan to learn as much as possible while also connecting with people in my area to gain a better understanding of the market and opportunities.

Very glad to see so many people use this strategy.

@Diane Merrill, you can also bid against other people.

Some people do refer to private money as friends and family, but in reality Private Money refers to "not banks".