A few people travel from Daytona just to come to the meetings. 

I also wouldn't touch hilltop with a 10' pole. struggled. old homes, over budget renovations, lots of issues. realtors push people here since it's the only place cheap houses close to downtown can be good but homes are 1900-1920.

I think a new administration brings new ideas and new people.

The focus for these groups of people too many times is always on defer defer defer…..

The best way to learn about how to really invest in real estate is to read books, listen to good podcasts, and pair that with going to in-person meetups so you can see people just like you, married with 3 kids, who are making it work for them.

I've heard horror stories that it's usually impossible due to the "burden placed on the municipality" but could really never understand what that burden was... most people living in those units wouldn't be using the school systems so aside from maybe an increased volume in emergency medical situations I can not understand that statement? 

Quote from @Michael Challenger: I would connect with local people at meetups, that might give you some contacts for private money.

>on top of dealing with insane lawyers and social workers who believe that less fortunate people can hurt wealthier people.   

Looking forward to meeting likeminded people :) 

You could try to chat with some people on campus and maybe even set some flyers up in or around the stadium.