Commercial and multi-family real estate are great choices in Houston.Good luck!

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

I've established a very stable  I've determined that local properties should be my first choice and by local I mean within 1.5 hours of my primary residence.

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.

You could have made the choice to capitalize them but likely not.

Bite the bullet and replace it Cheap probably was not the best choice of words for some people. 

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.

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

You made good choices with the books you're reading!

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.