Many things can happen to a property, so it's important to plan for those things (even daily routines), even if it may feel a little awkward.

I came across bigger pockets by their podcast, which I now listen to daily. 

At BP, not only can you network with other real estate investors, you can learn from the informative forums posted daily on the site, find properties that are for sale, and take free courses.

Getting a referral from a fellow investor is OK, however that contractor may be good for the referee, but could be not so good for someone else.Contractors are special individuals - they too are chasing the buck and trying to get the best deal possible.You may want to write specifications  of what you want done - once you know what you want you can better compare bids from workman.I have found that meeting real people with real tools at a time they are buying supplies and materials at Home Depot 5:30 - 6 am picking up stuff to do their daily work is sometimes an effective way to find the craftsman you are looking for at a price that will serve you well.Getting referrals is OK - but how do you know that they didn't over-charge the person who is referring you to them?

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/08/ben-c...

Its more of a Blue Collar community, although few do the daily commute to Chicago for work.

This causes the gutters to clog literally daily.

Its not that its difficult or its something you have to deal with daily but you do want to stay engaged so it does not get away from you.  

no such thing as late to real estate investingAs with just about anything in life those who are determined and work at it on a daily basis and the farther ahead than 99% of the crowd who says they want to do things

I will use Facebook to advertise my business and update my page daily on my personal activities to keep them interested and not lose their attention.The worse thing you can do is not follow up with them and lose their attention.That's how business is lost.