I am strongly considering starting my career as a mortgage consultant to learn applicable skills that will teach me about that part of the real estate investing industry while building relationships with many key players that will help with my business.

I'm in the UK but the technique will be the same world wide i would have thought.

I would only recommend doing it on a fixer upper where the players have cash and waive appraisals, etc. 

There are a good number of meet ups and networking events in the area where you could meet other investors, agents, lawyers, etc. and get to know the other players in the area.

If someone comes to me, I'll send them your way.If you need help in your search or want to verify something don't hesitate to ask.For example: I have clients worldwide and things are just as easy as I e-mail them, talking on the phone.

Currently working in the UK as a Project Manager, working for a large world-wide multi-consultancy firm.

Great vendors are key players in this business.

Make contact with you local REA group and see if you can seek out who some of the bigger players in the area use. 

He is definitely one of the major players in the area and seems to be a good guy as well.

It's a big area, and there's significant players in the market.