I really want to do local meetups and interact with more advanced investors but don’t know where to start.

@Denise CarringerMy preference is to go local - some community banks offer this type of service or local escrow companies, which is what I found, because they offer a higher level of service than most national.

That needs to come from a local attorney. 

They offer networking opportunities, education, and local insights for landlords.4.

More important than identifying target areas is establishing relationship with a local investor-friendly professional who has personal experience in investing in Cleveland.

I know, why do you think I talk to you like a local lol.I used to swim in steven creek reservoir!

Unless you use a local professional familiar with the market, who you trust, best way to know a good deal is to study the market.

It comes with guides on how to ride the tubes, a crash course in local customs, places of interest, places to avoid, and holly cow it looks just like what they had in there heads of what a London "flat" would look like, so charming and so "Brit"..... 

The plan was to buy a warehouse, lay down turf and hard courts and lease the space to local schools and leagues and host tournaments.

The BiggerPockets community is great for guidance, but nothing beats local mentorship.