Well, closing your account so quickly certainly doesnt help the attemp to network. 

If you’re looking to invest in your backyard, it helps to network with as many locals in the industry as you can.

@Drew Sygit my strategy for now is to spend the next 6 months or so learning everything I can about real estate markets, properties, underwriting, financing, landlords, property management, construction, legal, insurance, and anything else that comes across my radar, all the while trying to make connections and build relationships within each of these areas to build a network and gain the confidence to sell lenders and investors on the very best deals I can come up with.

I have the contractors in my network so I feel a light rehab would fit well for the first one. 

From experience, proper planning, strong insurance coverage, and networking with experienced investors are key to making the most of an LLC for your investments.Good luck!

Most of my network hasn't heard of them or done any deals with them, so I'm reaching into the ether to find out more than what Google can offer. 

It would be the easiest to network and find all the experts that will be needed to make it happen.

Bigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking. 

Networking with luxury RE brokerages will probably fast track you as well. 

@Sam AlphaDo set goals, keep learning, network, etc. but get started if you haven't already.