I am stating it to provide something to ponder and an explanation why it may appear people are ignoring the data.If owners of property impacted by climate events are heavily bailed out by FEMA and other sources, then what is the risk?

I just moved out to Belfair, Washington and would like to dip my feet in the real estate industry.

The contractor might realize he was WAY over industry price and adjust. 

To find the right real estate investor group, search for meetup platforms, REIA (Real Estate Investor Association) groups, local brokerages, and LinkedIn events.

Unfortunately, this is the norm in the industry and why we have been successful.

I suggest checking out some of the local Chicago meetups:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I'd also recommend setting up some coffee meetings with some of the TOP TALENT in Chicago: agents like @Jake Fugman & @John Warren and property managers like @Mark Ainley & @Krystyna Schexnayder and lenders like @Jose Valdovinos & @Zack Karp.

I thank God in the name of Jesus Christ for returning to the industry.

Just like you I have been thinking into mentorship programs and I have gone to Multifamily Mindset ($40K), Apartment Educators ($20K) which is based in Texas, and now I am looking into RE Mentor (mentor of co-founder of Multifamily Mindset) and it's a 3 day seminar for $1500 (but they end up giving you a *one time discount* if you sign up during the free 2 hour event for $995 but it is possible to sign up for their mentorship program through their website if you can't go to their free event).

Are there specific networking events or forums within the BiggerPockets community that you recommend?

There are so many opportunities out there in the real estate industry, stay active and engaged.