I keep hearing from experienced investors about the importance of attending local meetups.

For experienced Investors here, what do you wish you knew when you're a newbie?

South East Texas should have a few experienced crews, so ask around locally or check reviews.One tip: make sure to prepare the new lot properly—things like leveling the ground and checking utility hookups are essential before the move.

I'm considering making this property into more of a mid term rental as an interim spot for people that may have experienced a flood, fire or are moving or renovating and need an interim space. 

I’m really interested in pursuing the out-of-state investment strategy (currently reading David Greene’s Long-Distance Real Estate Investing), and I’d love to meet and connect with some investors experienced with this model.

That is to say that I've experienced the incredible power of an appreciating market and that makes it very tempting to want to keep my current house, rent it out and let it appreciate.

If you are the sole heir of a rehab property, usually the smartest move if you aren't experienced is to sell it for max value, as-is, and the repurpose that money into better, rent-ready homes somewhere else, possibly closer to you. 

So why get so bent on finding diamonds that other, more experienced people with contacts are also looking for?

My point was what I experienced getting a mortgage in British Columbia Canada..

I'm an experienced workforce housing owner and operator.