If you're looking for more people, hang out here on BiggerPockets or check out the RPOA in Grand Rapids and the West Michigan REI Club on meetup.com. 

Scott The Book on Flipping Houses,The Book on Estimating ReHab Costshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbookLocate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

Fortunately, after nearly a week, the seller was able to successfully transfer the funds into my bank account.  

I recently attended 3 day seminar on Fortune Builders in DC and that inspired me to plunge and learn more about REI.

Not sure how much this would save you, but sometimes being in a member to a real estate investing club can give you automatic discounts on places like Home depot and such. 

If you ever travel to Pittsburgh then I would like to invite you to come and check out my club the Pittsburgh REIA. 

Hi Jacob,It's also a great idea to go to local REI club to learn and network with local investors.  

Fortunately it is primarily limited to mom and pop/hobby and new landlords that are a easy mark.Believe it the word does get around amoung tenants as to who the best landlords are to pluck. 

It seems more and more like real estate is some exclusive club and I'm an outsider trying to get in.

Jumped up and went for my husband's throat/neck but fortunately my husband was able to duck and instead got bit in the face and mouth (rather than a potentially fatal neck wound).