Real Estate Investing Group Startup

[Tyler Stuart]

Hey guys this is my first post on the BiggerPockets forum!  My name is Tyler and I live in North Augusta, SC.  I have done a few flips and right now my limiting factor for growth is finding deals.  I go to the monthly foreclosure auction in my city and so far I have found some good deals but the deal flow is inconsistent.  I have a few wholesalers who send me deals but most of them are absolute trash.  In the podcasts, Brandon says that if there isn't a real estate meetup group in your area, then it is your responsibility to start one.  I can see the many benefits of a real estate group and one of them would be to connect with more wholesalers in my area.  I am willing to put in the time, effort, and money to start a Real Estate Investing Group in my area.  

My question is for those who attend or have started their own local Real Estate Investing Group.  What are some things that you would recommend for getting a meetup group started in my area?  I understand I will have to promote this group in order to get members.  I plan to use social media, flyers, and have even considered purchasing a radio commercial slot.  I can imagine the meeting needs to include a time period dedicated for mingling, maybe a subject for a speaker to talk about such as finding deals, funding deals, connecting with other investors, etc., and also food and drinks would be a plus.  How long should one of these meetings last?  How often should these meetings be held?  My guess is monthly or twice a month would be sufficient.  Are there any legal precautions I need to take before starting a meetup group? 

Thanks in advance for those who have taken the time to read my post and for those who provide me with a path forward for my meetup group.  I have enjoyed reading many of the forum discussions and listening to the weekly podcasts.  I know I am in the right place to find the information I am seeking and I am looking forward to your responses!