New to the BP community (Buffalo NY)

Hello BP community, I am a new member to the BP community looking foward to using this awesome resource! I am currently working as an engineer in the Niagara Falls area and new to real estate Investing. My ultimate goal would be to transition full-time into the real estate investing world in the next 5 years. I would love to start doing so through my hometown buffalo markets. Looking to meet with like minded individuals. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!