Would love to connect with local RE agents and have an idea of the market situation in SA.

For several reasons (property taxes, politics), I would prefer to begin real estate investing somewhere other than locally. 

Hello BPers I was going to attend my first local investor event/meet up and was wondering what people normally wear to these things.

Yep check BP and Meetup.com or Eventbrite for local meetups @Baron Wheeler

If you’re looking to invest in your backyard, it helps to network with as many locals in the industry as you can.

I'm a local broker and investor and manage 100+ investment properties.

Take a bit of that money and invest in learning - go to meetups and the many events that take place related to investing in the city - some for free and some paid.

Many of the people that come are members of Lifestyles Unlimited so they sometimes talk about upcoming events for members only, but the meeting is open to everyone and they share some excellent information. 

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

I highly suggest getting to some local meetup groups...here is BPs list:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.