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Thank you for the heads up Jack.I could be wrong, but including the bad with the good could actually increase their trustworthiness and value as a network; it takes confidence to share both sides and know that the value provided will shine through like diamonds in the rough.What I gather from their response to you is that they would rather have quantity over quality

I think the diamond in the rough right now are small 2 BR and 3 BR single-family homes that won't work for a family, but can serve as a one-year FHA live-in and then become a rental after.

By turn-key, I mean that I'd be bringing you a pre-screened buyer and wholesaling you a diamond in the rough property in which my retail buyer wants to buy on lease-purchase terms, and if private funds are required, then I may be able to help you with that as well. 

You can try to get recommendations/referrals from other investors and that can help, but be specific about which trade(s) you're looking for and especially where the property is since many contractors in RI aren't willing to travel far (they don't have to these days).For networking, obviously this site is good, and I'd also recommend checking out local networking groups such as the RI real estate investor group and Black Diamond group in southern Mass (if you have any interest in anything in Mass.)For learning to analyze deals, I think there are probably more than enough resources here on BP but if you're looking for more long form content, I think you can also get some book recommendations here on BP as well.For finding out about your market, the best way is to get out there and pound the pavement, identifying areas you want to invest in next and then going to some open houses, talking to people in those areas (older neighbors are often very happy to share their opinions :), etc.My best tip for new investors, which sounds basic but I think is still a good one, is to keep your purchases close to home, or wherever you spend most of your time.

It technically can be achieved if you find a diamond in the rough, but the 2% rule is more of a guideline than a rule. 

You are trying to get a diamond out of coal.

Hey Diamond,DO continue your education.

When people are back to meeting in groups again, you can also check out local groups such as the RI real estate investors group that meets monthly, and Black Diamond REI that's focused on southern Mass and also meets monthly.Both groups have been doing virtual/Zoom meetings for the past few months, which I've found educational but not as good for making new connections as the offline meetings.

A diamond in the rough that we can improve and then increase rents and value.