(achievable goals)Surround yourself with motivated people, network and talk to people who are successful. 

I can tell you what people here have done to set themselves up for retirement.

For someone starting out on their first deal, I don't recommend doing a complete renovation unless you have reliable contractors or have some sort of prior experience.I would of chose a small multi-family property that need very minor repairs (which this type of property ended up being my second purchase).

I want to be apart of the change in these areas where gentrification is pushing out the people that have lived in communities for years but can now no longer afford it. 

thank you @Roy N. for your feedbackI have read other posts that people seem to have success with signs for marketing to renters.For tenant turnovers, not a rehab, do you also put out the same signs out front?

Many people focus on the obvious stuff like raising rents increasing economic occupancy and so on.

People who have money for the custom kitchen would rather be in a better neighborhood.  

I've driven for dollars, posted "We'll Buy Your House" ads on Craigslist and Facebook, mailed a list of people and only ran into a couple of people who wanted way more than their house is worth.

In general you are not allowed to charge two people rent a the same time.  

I personally have been to Ryder Meehan's meetup which is primarily for people who live here but are looking to invest outside of the bay area, and J.