It's more of a face to face type of transaction and I'm guessing it will be easier to get my feet wet doing it that way.

The area I live (Hot Springs Village) is beautiful BUT if you are a golfer, tennis player or any other outdoor activity be prepared to sit inside for most days...too hot, too wet, too cold. 

For the wet areas like bathrooms and laundry, use tile.As for counter tops, it depends on your area and the market.

Like Jess, I would consider small multi-family although I thought I would get my feet wet with a single family first.  

(Cough... cough)... or at least until after I buy 40 or 50 more SFHs

But I'm just starting to get my feet wet so we'll see how it goes.

I am from the Central Valley area of California (Stockton, Modesto, Merced, etc) and getting my feet wet in real estate.

.#2 Partner with Someone that Has Construction ExperienceTo get your feet wet, you could partner with another house flipper, contractor or construction professional that could help with Estimating Costs.

Therefore, as long as I can find a deal that cash flows in the short term, I figure that getting my feet wet is better done sooner rather than later.

It allows me to get my feet wet in investing, learn, make mistakes with less money on the line.