I would check your state and local regulations. 

Wash dishes at the local restaurants.  

Local investor focused realtors will have multiple referrals for you to check out and interview.

I am an investor-friendly agent and a local Belleville investor myself.

Im looking to purchase a couple of 3Br 1bath SFH in Cahokia IL and rent them to Section 8.Does anyone have experience with the local Section 8 authority?

Post on local Facebook pages for contractor referrals, go to local REIAs, and ask your potential agents and PMs (even if not using a PM at first...you may at some point).There is only so much that service providers can do and many of them are far from "experts"; so, be prepared to be your own expert at being willing to figure stuff out as you move forward.

Have you tried searching through local Facebook groups?

@Hamidou Keita House hacking by converting a single-family to a duplex is a smart strategy, but requires careful planning.Pros: Offset living expenses, higher rental income, increased equity.Cons: Significant conversion costs (permits, construction), zoning restrictions, living in a construction zone, managing two tenants.Key Considerations:Feasibility: Check local zoning and permitting.Costs: Get detailed construction estimates.Market Analysis: Ensure post-conversion rent covers expenses and there's rental demand.Resources: BiggerPockets forums, local contractors, real estate agents.Have you researched your target property's conversion potential?

For out-of-state investing, find a trustworthy property management company and network with local real estate investor groups.

You should engage with the local players in the commercial market i.e.