How to start investing in an investor-saturated market?

[Dan Jacobs]

First post - apologies if the same question was recently asked.

BACKGROUND

I'm brand-new to investing, in no rush, and in the process of learning everything I can while working my regular job and obtaining a REA license. One of the tips I often see on the forums is to "Connect with local REI's", so I found a site (connectedinvestors) and found hundreds of REI's, all "looking for deals" in my area. It immediately occurred to me that those listed are probably a small fraction of actual number of REI's in the area (Martinsburg WV is in proximity to MD/DC/VA). Pickings are sparse out here: my entire county is only ~100k people. in fact, the entire panhandle is only 175k people, 10% of which live in Martinsburg.

With a potential of 1000+ REI's with more experience and contacts than I do looking for the same deals I will be, I'm feeling a little discouraged. Now to tap your wisdom...

QUESTIONS:

1) Am I crazy - is this even a factor (read: is my fear misplaced)?

2) Are there any advantages that newcomers have in this scenario which I could potentially leverage?

3) Other insights?

Thanks for any advice/constructive feedback! 🇺🇸