Personally, I have found occasional private lending to be a good networking tool and lead generator for what I'm really looking for - properties I can develop. 

Connect and network with different people.

@Karan SinghTo build a solid real estate foundation, prioritize wise time management, early pre-approval, early credit building, real estate partnerships, income diversification, networking, and learning from books and podcasts.

There is nothing in it for them.You should be going to real estate investing meetups as much as possible and networking with other investors.

I look forward to network, learn and help as much as possible. 

Magnolia's tv network just launched in February, so Waco is only going to become more well known and with that comes tourists, businesses, and eventually new residents. 

Meetups + books + podcasts are the way to go, but meetups are the most crucial to your confidence level and to know people like you do this every day.I agree with @Nathan Gesner on the heads up, when you say you are new and want help, everyone has a pitch, that's why meetups are so good - most have no pitch, just networking, unless it's run by a hard money lender.I have a couple friends who invest in the Lehigh Valley that I can connect you with when the time comes.

Also, check out local real estate investment clubs or networking events.

I would try to network with other MTR landlords in the area to determine best course of action 

While you aren't going to have investors, i.e. it is very unlikely but not impossible, that people will commit to a deal before you have identified one, you do want to grow your network of possible LPs and nurture them.