Hi realcurious,
The best way to get started is to do some research to find out if this is something you really want to do. Go to the library or bookstore to look for books about real estate investing. Look for the most recently written books. Also go online to see if there is an investor's club near you. If there is , GO! Investor's Clubs are a great place to meet other newbies and many more experienced investors. The monthly meeting will usually have a speaker on a specific topic, wholesaling, asset protection, etc. Just go and be a "fly on the wall" take notes, get business cards from other attendees. Just get started!
Good Luck
SBarber