As a newbie, I’d love to connect with local investors and agents to learn more about the area and refine my plan.

Charleston has some awesome local REI meetups if youre interested in attending.

I'm currently looking for a flip locally - within 30-45 minutes of Lancaster, PA. 

So, I would work to increase your knowledge and experience and really identify a strategy that suits you before moving forward with anything. 2.

Thank you,Phil Don’t have any experience with the mentioned mentors, but I do have 45 years experience in commercial real estate investing.Flipping (wholesaling) commercial properties require the same base of knowledge (real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance) that is a foundational requirement for flipping residential properties; PLUS, extensive knowledge of the commercial property TYPE one is trying to engage with, and extensive knowledge of the local real estate market for the subject property type. 

One needs to have outstanding local market knowledge to underwrite effectively. 

Quote from @Timothy Villa: Hey y’all just heard about this community and wanted to utilize it to grow more knowledge in how to have real estate help me with earning passive income.Welcome to BiggerPockets!

Highly suggest coming out to some of the local chicago IN-PERSON meetups! 

Even though I’m a local broker, I’m a big fan of “Live where you want to live.

Like it has been said, gaining knowledge is important, but taking action is even more so.