Anyone here have any advice on where and what to purchase (brand, kind, etc...)

I'd love to hear what the rest of you folks might do if you were in my situation.

In the meantime, I’d love some advice on what peoples suggestions are as to what they would recommend to study up on first.

Hey Emily, Happy to connect with you and I do know of a meetup happening in early September.

My goal is to own properties in the long term due to the number of benefits that come with it.

TL;DR* Aggressively pushing 'maintenance' and for the most part for things not requiring any maintenance* In-house maintenance rates are eye-watering, way higher than what you'd see in even most expensive markets* Maintenance does not require owner's approval - RL reserves decision what to do when, cheaper plans have higher limits and all are at RL's discretion * Refuses to manage in many parts of townLonger versionSigned up for their service after a few conversations over the phone - owner stressed investor-friendly approach.

Like Rick said, if the numbers make sense for you then why not?

Take it into the real world by finding some local real estate investing meetups within an hour of you and make sure to attend every month for six months.

Midwest is too large of a territory for an accurate comparison.   

there are 3 or 4 companies that sell how to programs normally about 2k to 3k.. this will give you the basics.. or you can try to find a used set of books tapes on E bay for 50 bucks or so.