While this is a cool area with natural springs that does draw in people, most people are local to FL and there is a lot of camping. 

I'm a new to real estate investing and I'm looking to connect with local investors.

I recommend compiling an analysis/presentation stating that your parents will save an "x" amount by working with you instead of "ABC" local property managers.

Investors allow them to help because they are local but the truth is that they have no idea how to manage a rehab.

Locals know that and you can see that in DOM. 

There are a lot of local meetups in Northern New Jersey that you can find in the Events and Meetups section of the forums as well.

Most owners are local and therefore “hot” money or out of area players are not yet chasing Pittsburgh assets, keeping prices favorable.References United States Census Bureauhttp://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2017/august/economic-impact-report.htmlMarcus & Millichap 2017 Multifamily Investment Forecast2017 Commercial Real Estate Trends Report by Integra Realty Resourceshttp://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/September-2017/Staying-CMU-All-Eyes-on-Carnegie-Mellons-Future/http://www.nextpittsburgh.com/features/pittsburgh-developments-watch-2017/

If you have $210,000, you can easily make 10% as a bridge/hard money lender in your local area.

We invested into the property and came well ahead of the local market.

Ensure the sublease is explicitly permitted in a written agreement with your friend and aligns with local STR laws.