So, I wanted to start meeting local investors, business owners, real estate agents, and general contractors before than and start building up some friendships and business partners.Let me know if this is something you would have time for, and we can set a day.I will be able to meet up Oct. 11th - 16thThanks,Will Foster

Gay Lloyd is correct, that signed agreements needs to be in place.  1st it helps protect all involved and it can cost a friendship, feelings of abuse and true monetary lost.  

And I know that I can finally afford the time to make amends to my friendships and relationships with my loved ones.

We don't mix business with friendship.

These are the "Why" I am interested in investing.I could also pursue a place in Toms River New Jersey, by Seaside Heights which is a popular summer location by the beach where I was born and raised and also have roots.Finally, I could think about pursuing Greenville, North Carolina where my Wife has roots, or Naples Florida where my parents currently live and are developing incredible friendships I could use to my advantage.Does anyone have knowledge about investing in any of these locations, would anyone be interested in getting to know and working with me to purchase my first property in one of these locations, which could be mutually beneficial.

These are the "Why" I am interested in investing.I could also pursue a place in Toms River New Jersey, by Seaside Heights which is a popular summer location by the beach where I was born and raised and also have roots.Finally, I could think about pursuing Greenville, North Carolina where my Wife has roots, or Naples Florida where my parents currently live and are developing incredible friendships I could use to my advantage.Does anyone have knowledge about investing in any of these locations, would anyone be interested in getting to know and working with me to purchase my first property in one of these locations, which could be mutually beneficial.

Find a couple local investors meetups to join and start developing friendships with other investors at those meetings. 

Throughout my real estate career I have always developed friendships with my core 4/5 or 6. 

Don't worry about titles and definitions too much - seek after real relationships, that involve trust and friendship.... it's possible (and desirable), even when running things as a business. 

You can also expect a high probability that the entire "friendship" will break down and they will want to end the lease early.