No jazzy tools, BS booklets, word-salad info whatever's, just BE OF SERVICE. 

It’s all about positioning yourself for long-term gains, and with your current knowledge and tools, you’re in a great spot to make that happen!

Seconding what @Jonathan Greene said, you have a powerful tool for house hacking when you get back.

I, too, shifted from working with adolescents and young adults to getting into Real Estate... in hindsight, that past experience has helped me in this field, and I believe it will help you as well.2 things I recommend for new BP members in your position:- Use the search feature to find people and topics of interest.

They're publicly available via a quick google search.

I'l keep searching! 

Giving the recurring issues with labor quality and scarcity, would you say automation tools like construction 3d printing or other tech are worth exploring?

I know was looking in a defined neighborhood and found an agent to aide in the search.

.- Search Meet Up App to see what meetings/meet ups are nearby.- Post on craigslist asking about networking with other real estate investors. - I would search Bigger Pockets for members in VT and ask them their thoughts.Greg

BP has various tools to help you analyze your deals (rentals, flips, wholesale, etc). : https://www.biggerpockets.com/investment-calculators7.