In this case, who decides whether the sale should be conducted privately or through public auction? 

Wherever you decide just have to consider if they are a seasonal place (Panama city beach) or an area with a constant flow of traffic due to events, population, conferences, major airport etc etc

I thought it was a great weekend and plan to fly our entire real estate team there for the next conferenceBut in the mean time I'm hoping to connect with anyone that is local or has been to this conference and may be looking at apartments that meet his criteria.

They do need to be able to do your taxes for the state you are conducting business in as well, but that will be easier to find than someone who really understands how to take advantage of the tax code for a real estate investor.

I would suggest getting out there (flying to conferences) because the best networking with the best people is rarely in your local area.

If you can't do an in-person meeting because you are away,  then I recommend either finding someone you trust and is a good judge of character to do it, or schedule a video conference.2.

Individual taxpayers who are not engaged in a trade or business but are investigating the potential creation of a new business should consider forming an S corporation to facilitate and conduct all the activities related to the investigation.

Let them know this is not how you would like to conduct business. 

One of Joe's suggestion at the Best Ever Conference: Start your own meetup group. 

I do also agree many wholesalers lack proper know-how and fail to conduct appropriate due diligence when they present properties to you.