To get started, connect with a knowledgeable real estate agent and lender, practice analyzing deals, and network through local investor meetups.

Also, look up your local REIA and check Meetup dot com.

I was working with a local credit union who pulled out at the last minute.

Just a local guy/gal that wants some side work here and there.

Do you rely on inspections, local contractors, the agent, or property managers to get eyes on it?

Its always nice to hear positive things about local people. 

Perhaps reach out to local agents who work with a lot of buyers in your market and see if any of them need a place to rent while they house shop (inventory is still low).

Networking, local meetups, door knocking, mailers, wholesalers, online forums specific to your area of interest.  

While algorithms can analyze data at scale, real estate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nuances and the most important component of real estate is understanding its value, and that to me (maybe I am old school) but can only be done by physically visiting and walking the property.So for me, factors like local market conditions, property inspections, and borrower credibility can’t be fully captured in a formula.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets and love see local folks getting into real estate investing!