Check out local meetups as well.  

Hopefully, this first investment will launch our journey in real estate.Here are some criteria we have in mind:Not in downtown SacramentoClass C+ or B location, since we will be living in one unit (we just want a safe location)Units with shared walls, not ceilingsSeparately meteredFairly renovated or well-maintained (not a fixer-upper, but if one unit is renovated and the others need some work, we would love the experience of fixing and renovating)Can you think of any other factors we should consider?

There are a ton of knowledgeable folks on here as well as an abundance of information.  

I previously served as counsel at a Hospitality REIT where management was separate but the management was a viable business that managed REIT owned as well as 3rd party hotels.

Might me some tax advantages to this as well.

I highly recommend a well-qualified REALTOR who works with investors and knows how to help you best.7.

I think most of the ones I have come across are either a) Very well off, and diversifying, or b) much later in their careers and they are using a vehicle they know (RE), just in a more passive way. 

Your best bet is to build relationships well before asking about investing.

So, keep that in mind as well. 

Does it integrate well with other platforms?