If your prediction is correct, a 12 month wait may produce much fruit. 

I ask this because it SUCKS to have all your eggs in 1 basket or even 2 baskets.

Now fruit for thought, I liquidated nearly 30% of my positions immediately prior to this rotation, and reallocated additional 40%....

Often, just because the zoning allows for it, doesn't mean it's fruitful to do so or that you should do it. 

We also provide a welcome basket that gives them items to get through a few days so they don't have to go shopping right when they arrive (2 toilet paper rolls, 1 paper towel roll, small dish soap, small hand soap, 2 dishwasher pods, 2 laundry pods, 3 garbage bags, scrub brush for dishes, a few coffee pods, some sugar packets, etc).

This is pretty low hanging fruit: If you do not already own real estate (personal occupancy) I would start by purchasing a SFH or 1-4 unit using a conventional mortgage:1.

I do know I have built a strong relationship with him over the years and in many ways it’s starting to bear extra fruit!

That is where I met some of my most fruitful partners, contractors, mentors, and lenders... at these very meetups.

This real estate investing is not a race its a journey and it will take time to see any fruits of your labor.

But asking experienced people to set up an interview with you is unlikely to bear fruit.