I've been to some local events when I used to live there (2020-2023) but I tend to like networking 1 on 1 more than at events. 

My biggest advice is to start investing where you have a good network of people you know like and trust...this especially holds true if you will be investing out of state.While it's not impossible to go straight to the commerical I personally found it easier to start in the residential world and then make my way over to commerical multi-family. 

We stopped wholesaling and ended up just networking better with wholesalers and putting more offers out to find better deals.The BRRRR process also has its challenges due to being out of state.

I see this is posted in the house-hack forum so I'll make the assumption that you want to owner-occupy your next investment.To work more hands-on, you'll want to spend time searching for deals, analyzing deals, and networking/building a team.Before your property search, I'd recommend speaking with a lender to find out how much you'll qualify for.

Its ALL about your network.  

I only buy in 2 zip codes and have a network of referrals due to that specialization.

I went out to Memphis in late July to set up a network of agents and contractors.

When investing locally, it helps to network with as many locals in the industry as you can.

Confidence.Real estate confidence can come from networking with other real estate investors at meetups and realizing that most investors aren't on social media.

Make sure to work with a realtor who is also an investor who can easily plug you in with their systems and network of lenders, GCs, PMs - someone who will have your best interests.