I really want to do local meetups and interact with more advanced investors but don’t know where to start.

I don't know that @Dave Foster earlier mention worked...I'll let him chime in as the expert, but you can 1031 for less it just results in 'boot' which is taxable.

Reach out to someone like @Dave Foster.

I was thinking what Dave Foster said in regards to you having troubles, especially with buying a syndication.

In-person interactions are great for building trust with potential investors.Real Estate Platforms:BiggerPockets: A robust platform for connecting with private lenders and investors.Fund That Flip, PeerStreet, Groundfloor: Online platforms connecting investors with real estate projects.Social Media Groups: Facebook and LinkedIn groups dedicated to real estate investing often have private investors or lenders looking to connect.Personal Network: Often overlooked, but friends, family, and colleagues may know individuals interested in investing.Private Money Brokers: If you're working on wholesaling deals, you may find brokers who have established relationships with private money lenders.Real Estate Agents: Some agents have connections with private investors, especially those focused on investment properties.For your 50% LTV, it's good to approach investors who may be interested in lower-risk, high-equity deals.

The community, coaching and support really are second to none, and I always gain valuable insights from the masterminds and every interaction I have with them.  

As I approach my move out strategy where I will be converting my upper unit into a STR, I often think of guest interaction amongst the two units.

As a lender, fostering relationships has been an incredible opportunity to create a healthier local real estate market. 

I enjoy interacting with other investors and helping people do better, not measure the quality of questions.

While I know this isn't a lot in today's market, I believe there are creative ways to make it work.I’m a former foster child who was declared independent as a teen, so I've been living with close friends that I consider family.