New member looking to meet local investors

[Matthew Brown]

Hello everyone, I've only recently begun looking into becoming a real estate investor and I'm trying to gain as much knowledge as I can. 

I'm located in Middletown, CT and plan on buying a rental property in the next year or so (I'm thinking local now, but that could change).

My rough plan at the moment is to save money for 6 months to a year and to buy a property (I haven't decided on single or multi family yet) with a conventional loan using the money I saved, along with money from a 401k loan (the rates for my 401k loan are pretty good). I currently own a house with my wife with a child on the way, so househacking isn't an option.

Does my plan so far seem adequate? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. 

I'd like to start going to REI meet-ups, but I work 2nd shift and it seems most meetings happen during the week.

Thanks for reading this far, I can't wait to get started!