I met with fellow investors & agents in these markets. 

I struggle with that myself.Insurance broker - I can introduce you to a couple of great agents, but they are not on Bigger Pockets, so I cannot tag them.

I can refer you to a real estate agent who works with investors - most who are newer investors.  

I would recommend finding an investor friendly agent in the area you are wanting to invest to be your boots on the ground.

Bottom line these are NOT federally regulated or state regulated loans.. they who have the gold make the rules.

Also, the agent directory on BiggerPockets is a great resource.   

Having said that, the federal government put a restriction on buying houses if you don't live here. 

He has a lot of units and is a licensed agent in Worcester MA who knows plenty about single-family as well.

while still trying to keep up with the competition Do you rely more on direct-to-seller marketing, networking with agents, leveraging platforms like PropStream and Batch Leads, or just by looking at a lot of deals?

Where do you report  an agent?