I would further urge you to find someone focused on either the east or west side of the city as they are very different in their demographics, 'sub-cultures', and neighborhoods/communities!

It will be held at the Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant 111 Central Way, Kirkland.Come say hi!

Since you are from my area are there any events that you'd recommend I attend to immerse myself more into the culture?

At the end of the day, you need an incredible culture.  

Refinances are less time sensitive than purchases, so start the refinance now, with a lock period long enough to cover however long the refinance might have taken (I don't know your situation or the lending culture in your area in terms of "how long does a refi take?") 

I'm a young software engineering professional working in NYC with enough money saved up for a downpayment on an entry-level home that I want to use for rental income.I recently visited Detroit and love the culture there, but I won't be able to visit, so I'd probably be interested in hiring a management company.Is it possible to be cashflow-positive with turnkey properties using a management company in Detroit?

For me, becoming a real estate agent is how I became immersed in the real estate culture and ultimately drove my interest in REI.

Welcome to the site @Martin Lee, always great to see other Irish people interacting with the investors here.

Just moved to Scott County Minnesota area from Southern California... what A culture shock that was.

. :-) I do love Providence - it has great food and culture and "down city" continues to improve and provide more for its residents and visitors.