That is going to be the best way to meet others in the industry from that market. 

I'm currently reading "BRRRR" by David Greene and becoming well knowledgeable within BRRRR itself. but I'm also willing to learn hands on and meet new people that I could bring value to but also bring value to myself.

Our logical process:1) Use Neighborhood rankings to narrow down area of city you want to invest in2) Focus on getting to know that Neighborhood(s), so you know the good & bad streets, block-by-block.3) Be patient to acquire properties on good streets that meet your buying criteria.Our rankings are done with a "bell curve" approach.

So, there is no argument for using margin account to try meet/beat REI returns because it would just nurf your WS returns down all the more, expanding the divide between the 2. 

We have a minimum income requirement to qualify for this unit (4 times monthly rent); based on your email, it appears you meet that qualification.

I spent a decade in advertising, before founding and running a custom wood shop for another decade, so 'm pretty good at the self-promotion.I agree with you that the more gorilla approach would be most effective and that's actually what i've been doing – calling RE agents in my service area with active listings, introducing myself to property managers and leasing agents...To answer your question, I will have to handle the work myself for 6-12 months to build out the SOPs and field service management systems, but I have a lot of relationships for those looking to "do the work".I'll check out the meet up and would love to grab a cup of coffee, I'll shoot you an email.

Attend meet-ups.

Yep, gotta have a great PM that will not only handle the management, but coordinate renovations, turnovers, aquisitions.Go meet them, look at a few of the properties they manage, ask about their systems, processes, etc.

Rare do I hear of recommendations but I do hear people asking.I would think in any big city you think about, a visit to a local NARPEM meeting or 2-3 visits would be a great idea. 

I am sure some will do it with phone and e mail etc.. but I suspect they miss the best deals.Just like top wholesalers they have buying agents when a lead comes in that buying agent is over to the house and meeting with the folks ASAP so they can lock it up.. if they are non owner occ then yes this is different but now your talking about investors as sellers different mind set .