When I first heard about that I thought it was interesting and I think that it is actually smart.  

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Below, are some links to review prior to embarking on your 1st purchase.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/05/26/real-estate-financing/ (RE financing)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/27/financing-options-rental-property-guide/ (financing options for rentals)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/03/06/bp-podcast-060-serge-shukhat/ (0-68 rentals in 4 years) https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/08/02/passive-real-estate-investing/ (slowly building wealth through passive investing)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/09/30/bought-rehabbed-rented-refinanced-14-properties/ (BRRRR explained)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary/https://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Yes it's filled with great knowledge and very smart people.

Both feel smart for not "blowing it all" on rent (which is sort of true until you look at their HOA fees, some being $900!!).

Scott)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/07/09/bp-podcast-130-ten-smart-tips-for-making-1m-flipping-houses-with-will-barnard/ (Smart tips for flips)To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.

Be smart, know NC laws (power of sale) inside and out, and get legal help if you aren't sure.

It looks somewhat comprehensive, however the accounts provided on the credit reports were not as detailed as smart-move reports.

This meetup is around out-of-state investing, lots of good things to share and networking with smart people.  

That's a VERY smart first step

I received this info from @Nathan Sharp when I first started.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/11/02/hack-housing-get-paid-live-free/ (House hacking)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/03/13/investing-multifamily-ben-leybovich/ (Podcast 061 - How to succeed in multifamily investing)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/09/how-to-buy-a-small-multifamily-property/ (How to buy a small multifamily property)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/16/how-to-choose-areas-multifamily-deals/ (Choosing multi-family deals)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/07/19/how-to-buy-a-duplex/(guide to buying a duplex)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/12/12/bp-podcast-048-duplex-managing-tenants-darren-sager/ (Duplex investing)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary/https://www.biggerpockets.com/webinarhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?