[billreefer]

I see conflicting information, I read that buddy press has forum functionality built in. Other places I read that you need to install bbpress to have forums work within groups.

Please clear this up for me as I’d not want to add another resource demand on server unless I have to.

AND, I want to make sure things are set up correctly.

[r-a-y]

Yes, you need to install bbPress in order to have forum functionality within BuddyPress groups.

View this guide:

Installing Group and Sitewide Forums