Typically, this is an obvious no-go, but since I'd be living in the SFH, I'm looking at it as if that is my mortgage/rent payment until I can refinance.  

I would love your advice on the best meetups for a newbie like myself, who is looking to invest in a property to flip at first (to gain a cash base) to later be able to own multiple rental properties to accumulate passive income and grow equity.I appreciate the help in advance!

Flipping provides a short term gain, which typically people use to get started in rentals or some other form of passive income.

I have gained a ton of information from this sub and want to thank everybody for creating such a great resource of information.

I've always been on the other side of investments and development and I'm wanting to gain knowledge and experience so I can do my own investing/developing.

So here is my case for So Cal:- Advantages of local including expertise, cost to get to property, able to self-manage if desired (typically ~10%).

I am joining BiggerPockets to obtain and further enhance my knowledge regarding Real Estate practices as well as meeting new faces that I can hope to provide assistance of my own as well as gain knowledge from them and their experiences.My expertise includes being involved in Public Relations and having worked in the Public Sector for many years.

What I have to work with is two paid for properties in Griffin, GA.  in

Another downside is some students are entitled and/or not as independent as the typical renter - thus you must account for them contacting you more often if you decide to self-manage.  

The insurance will vary based on whether you need a Builders Risk policy and vacancy coverage (which you typically need).