The best way of locating/networking with individuals interested in partnering/investing would be to go to meetup.com and look for real estate investment meetings and also to leverage facebook groups for the same, as well as your local REIA organizations. 

Not only that but my network is expanding quite a bit and I need an organization to catch up. 

A giant waste of time but also not worth $25/month for me when I only have 4 places I manage with very infrequent vacancies.

The only criticism I have for you is this.... please dont take offense to it, but the fact that you say that you've never had more than $2000 in your bank account is a giant red flag.

My wife would prefer to stick to a SFH as our primary residence, but if I can accumulate some additional capital along the way, I'd like to get into SFH or duplex rentals to start.I'm also looking for some good local networking opportunities, mentorship, and/or a local organization to join for those just starting out.

Bigger Pockets is a great resource and wealth of information.However, if you do not have the time to read through hundreds of post and articles here and than organize and figure out what order you should learn in, get a course, because time is money. 

I did a lot of Facebook marketing, some paid and some organically.

USDA (not all towns), VA (Veterans only - with a DD214), NACA (has some hurdles to jump through.Alternatively, we could negotiate an option, which lets you tie the property up while you organize your finances.There's some due diligence to go through - price, condition and location.That said, you might be able to find the right home faster than you think. 

Then value add an ADU (as large as you can build - 1200’ + giant garage (4 car: think repurpose later) for instant increased equity.  

If so, lets connect and maybe organize a meet and greet in early November.- Or do you have a random question about Australia?