Going to local RE meetups can be a great way to make these connections!

Personally, I’ve been looking for ways to align creativity with the numbers, whether that’s finding undervalued properties, building relationships with local agents, or pivoting to new strategies.

With one BP poster I encouraged him to come out to a local meet up and met him in person and he was able to talk much more experienced investors in our group for further advice.

In my opinion, the best "first step" is to find a local REIA to attend. 

You could also reach out to @Jonathan Klemm who is local as well.

But if you're more into those value-add deals, definitely start local!

Having watched many prior co-workers get paid, cash their check at the casino, and promptly deposit it all into a slot machine I can tell you with pretty good certainty that casinos don't have a positive effect on disposable income and good use of the existing income in the area surrounding :)Are there solid local employers OTHER than the casino in a 15-minute drive? 

If you want to chat sometime I am local. 

I've done it multiple times on primary residence and was just able to do it on an investment with a local CT bank. 

Is there someone local who handles these sales?