Hello @Chris Atkins,To achieve and maintain financial independence, only invest in cities that meet the following requirements.Significant and Sustained Population Growth: Rental rates follow the basic principle of supply and demand.

It wouldn't hurt to set up time to meet with agents, property managers, lenders, and others while you’re visiting your markets of interst.

For example: If a tenant applies for a $1,000/month rental and they have gross monthly income of $3,500 they meet the first criteria, but when applying the second criteria you find they have a $500 car payment and $250 child support payment.

Do you all have any in-person meet ups?

Yes, these are great for meeting people and networking and learning.

I've sat on city council meetings where a county will straight up say they can make changes to the laws, but they don't have the resources to actually enforce them.

You can talk to him / his team in the monthly meeting but they're on an agenda so don't expect to much one-on-one type support there.  

I purchased this 8-week Momentum package two weeks ago and am still waiting for the Zoom Meeting information, as it starts tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. 

Quote from @Leonard La Rocca III: So is it common to find a conventional loan without meeting the lender in-person?

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.