You can meet local investors by registering to attend real estate events in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings6.

@Philip JonesI recommend finding local meetups to attend. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521I have found all of my best connections at local meetups.

My first attempts to get a loan ended in some pretty humbling experiences (getting laughed out of a couple of banks due to zero credit history).Fast forward to today, and after building up some credit, a stronger W-2, and a solid professional background, I’m finally back in West Palm Beach, Florida, looking to make my first deal happen.

.: Another question for you pros: we currently manage a small portfolio of CFDs on land parcels and a couple of private loans.

Especially with all the changes in the last couple months.

I have done a couple of podcast episodes on DSCR loans.  

Or just pay an attorney for one - it could be well worth the onetime fee of a couple hundred dollars.

You will definitely learn a lot here - reading books and listening to podcasts, attending local meetups and conferences are all great ways to learn, gain advice, share thoughts and network!

I would like to buy and hold for 5 years or so and possibly refi to buy another one in a couple years. 

Wish there was a better way than all of these add on automations but this is definitely nicer than the old fashioned hard copy book that gets gross after a couple of guests touch it.