I got the same rate that I would get on any direct booking since they could see the listed price online.

Check the in person events and meetups in your local area, our online community is full of knowledge and folks willing to share and still nothing replaces the opportunity to interact IRL, you never know who you will meet and where that can take you on your REI journey. 

Connecting with local real estate investor groups, attending meetups and conferences, either in person or online, can give you advice + support as well!

Basically you need to know what you are doing in DM or Online for it to work, otherwise, you will spend thousands of dollars without success@Jonathan Krauser.

Unfortunately most have made lifestyle changes relying on checks that will never be cashed but can't fault the inexperienced investors with the amount of materials online, social media etc. where coaches, mentors and gurus share the ease in which they generated massive wealth in these neighborhoods.

As mentioned no need to hire a private investigator just use an online service to do a background check.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

I don't know your criteria for a good deal, but if you're strictly looking on market for a quad in Raleigh you likely won't find one in the near future that meets what you're looking for.I have been looking in both Raleigh and Charlotte for the past few months and I barely came across any good deals at least online.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

If not from CT and there's any networking events or groups online - id love to hear which groups you recommend/ webinars . lastly, any advice on how to properly approach investing professionals as a beginner - would be greatly appreciated.