I have looked at some of the mentorship programs out there, but am hesitant because most are preaching the same basics that I'm already familiar with, and more importantly not familiar with the local market of where I live.Would like to create some relationships with wholesalers, realtors, etc., that are familiar with Houston and it's surrounding areas. 

PMs can do very well over time and leverage the relationships they build in to transactions too. 

Building relationships with other property owners can uncover opportunities that might not be publicly listed.

Real Estate in personal name saves taxes at your personal level if planned correctly.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

I want to build a relationship as investors in our community who can call on each other with questions or thoughts about projects or opportunities in the future.  

With that relationship, we provide support, expertise and of course capital.

Set out to create a relationship with someone that can show you the ropes.

Often the best ones are the smaller community banks in your area, not the large coporate banks however they'll have options as well but its normally relationship based where you'll come in to the bank to meet them and they'll be looking over your financials, credit, investment experience, etc. however once you're in with one of them, it becomes much much easier to borrow with them in the future...

Being out of state, you will want an agent who has good relationships with reliable inspectors, title companies, contractors, property managers, lenders, wholesalers, insurance agents, other RE agents, etc.

You can also have tenants submit repair requests through the site but I don't use that as I have good relationships with all of my tenants.