@Zach Denny  Similar to what Minna posted above, I have done with a local portfolio lender bank where they set their own lending rules. 

This is a great area with plenty of opportunities to grow as an investor.Feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat about deals, strategies, or just connect with other local investors.

Focus on rebuilding your credit, saving for a down payment, and learning the local market.

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.

If that is all ok then get a very good local realtor to run comps in that area to determine the conservative value of the home once you've completed the renovation work(ARV).

.)- Crime stats... if you know specific zip codes/submarkets that you'd like to target, the best data will come from local precincts. - and more..I'd recommend remaining active not only here on BiggerPockets, but in other valuable RE investment networks that you can find - i.e. local meetups (meetup.com, eventbrite, BP local events). 

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.

I had constant issues with the local government and the taxes were absurd.

I' m new to real state investing and look to connect  with local investors  Hi @Jean Romelus Lisma I'm an investor in CT and live in Norwalk.

Just document the current condition before the cleanup process and follow any other local law or procedure that is in your municipality.