You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

As @Chris Seveney there are lots of buyers for the real estate backed notes but fewer for the business only notes (without real estate as collateral). 

Quote from @Jake Thorpe: This is a real tragedy, but I hope you learn from it.

Then you can read a more in-depth book like The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss.2.

I recommend doing a flip when you do not have any money.

There is a pretty big real estate investors group in the Hartford area.

Step 2: Narrow down your "buy box" (are you market-indifferent, are you looking for a certain level of cash flow, etc.).Step 3: Connect with real estate agents and begin making offers!

@Joel Bongco how do you go about setting it up for real estate investors?

Tough to answer due to so many feelings about risk tolerances and what other investments could be making you as a ROI.I feel leverage of real estate is the real strength of this asset.  

Quote from @Chris Seveney: Quote from @Robert Adams: As we move into February, the Las Vegas real estate market is showing positive signs of recovery after the holidays and the conclusion of the presidential election cycle.