There are many here in my local area and your area is likely to have the same type of meetings.Most of the deals that I fund are by meeting investors in person at these groups and creating strong relationships. 

We have a good working relationship.

Acquiring Clients: For those who’ve raised capital successfully and built a strong network of clients, how did you go about finding and nurturing those relationships?

I want to know is it more cost effective or easier to purchase the property alone and put it in a mortgage in our name or purchase the LLC from him that holds the property within it.

To leverage the equity for financing my next deal, a second mortgage seems like a more cost-effective option.

If it's more complicated eviction.com may be your best bet to use they are pretty cost effective.

Best Practices for Finding a PartnerWhat are the most effective ways to find a solid investment partner?

From there it is really just a matter of determining comps, cost to rehab a property, and your timeline.I have helped several investors flip their first home in Austin and learn how to do it effectively.

You will quickly find, as you generate local person-to-person relationships, how many opportunities open up! 

you live and die by your sub contractor relationships.. this is the key in my mind.