network with local agents to see where they took theres. but not much to it but go with who you feel comfortable with.

I am a real estate investor & an agent. 

I am an investor-friendly agent and a local Belleville investor myself.

For the immediate time, I'd love any contractors and handymen suggestions, but eventually, to work with agents to buy and sell in the area. 

You must also vet the insurance agent, the RMLO, the 3rd party loan servicer - everyone.A well thought out medium between analysis/knowledge and using experts -- in my opinion -- is the best way to advance.Stay safeAlan

Developing and scaling now Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Research contractors better Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

This my friends on BP is just the reality of Real Estate you have two basic methods One mom and pop keep their day jobs and start buying long term hold rentals as they can afford them and if they like it they keep at it..Two you jump in the game and try to make money transactionally IE RE Broker  Flipper Wholesaler MLO  leasing agent etc etc.. this also is a long term ramp.. what the Guru programs attract generally speaking is those that get excited think they can somehow buy a program ( any program pick one) and its going to jump start them to this mythical financial freedom everyone talks about..

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

YES, but don't push your agent business.