The best way to do so is start by finding your local REIA and attending some events to connect with locals with similar goals.

Attend meetups and meet as many people in RE as you can.

Investigate areas with strong growth potential and rental demand, and take into account regional real estate market trends.Networking: Attend local real estate events, sign up for internet discussion groups, and establish relationships with seasoned investors.

The ones I have seen are old tired and not even remotely relatable to todays RE world complete waste of time I will never attend a REIA event again.

I would like to start attending Open Houses in my Michigan location in order to get my feet wet.

Attend meetups and meet as many people in RE as you can.

Disclaimer: I have not taken the Epic Pro Academy course, but I attended Matt's 2 day workshop last year.Matt Theriault's 2 day events, which they are somewhat different than the Epic Pro Academy, I believe, since the information is compressed in only 2 days.Nevertheless, lots of practical information is offered, besides instructions and information about the industry, the insights that Matt provides and how they relate to one's approach to business relationships in general, they have value on their own.What I can say about him and his team is that you truly get what they offer, but like with any course, the course is as good as you are by implementing what is been taught.

While I am visiting I would love to meet with any investors or attend any events that may be in the area, please reach out if you will be in the area!

Not that someone could not photoshop but it helps and is something taught in all of the realtor safety classes I have attended. 

The prices paid by bidders at the tax sale auction are NOT pennies on the dollar, at least not at the auctions I've attended.