Unfortunately, every state and every locality has different laws and what works in one location doesn't always work in others, so you have to be very careful about the 'free' advice that is given in online forums. 

Go to local meetups, search these forums for people that have mentioned that they do private lending and attend other RE events.

Local Real Estate Investor Associations (REIA's) also are a great place to network and find a mentor or someone to walk you through getting started.

I'm a local realtor and investor, so I’d love to help you find the right property and navigate the market.

If you're focusing on rural properties, sometimes local community banks or credit unions are open to these types of deals.

Sights are set on all types of REI, but this will be a great start for us.I have been in the mortgage business for over 20 years.

Hey Ricky,I don't invest in Ontario so I can't comment on the specific local markets BUT, there will not be a lot of opportunities to buy distressed properties in Canada.

I live in the Lancaster PA area.I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.

As an investor myself, I can also help you find more deals and grow your rental business. 

Focus on high-demand rental areas (suburbs for multifamily, tourist/business hubs for STRs) and consider scaling with the BRRRR method to build passive income.