We do a lot of fix and flip, new construction, DSCR, Development, Commercial and even primary home financing all over Texas. 

It sounds like you want more time, so active investing such as flipping or rehabbing might not be ideal.

I have been investing in real estate in my local market for 10+ years (flips, private lending, rentals).

And there are syndicators out there that have long, strong track records, that spend more time operating than marketing, that aren't selling their guru courses and the syndications are just social proof as to why you should spend $30k on their course.But the flip side of this risk is time.  

For this one, I'd say a fix/flip is definitely the "easier" way of getting into the game vs. new build but it still has its pros/cons.

I have worked as a commercial project manager, have done live in flips, and have built my own house but I have no record as a builder.

Are you gearing up to buy hold or flip or both? 

It seems to be a good area to invest in, especially for flips, but all my contacts are in Wilmington.

In Milwaukee, look into networking groups like the Milwaukee Real Estate Investors Association (MKE REIA) lot's of different approaches covered including wholesaling and flips, or if you decide on buy and hold the Rental Property Association (RPA) of WI is great.

For example, if you want to eventually fix and flip in Orlando, FL.