Anything beyond that is going to take some blocking and tackling (reaching out directly to local companies like solar farms, construction, medical staffing agencies, etc.).

They are knowledgable in their space, but I find them on the pricey side.

Unless you're a very seasoned investors, the value in committing to the right agent should be in their vast local market knowledge, expertise of their lane, transactional experience and so on.

The foreclosure attorneys discovered that property deeds were sold without my knowledge, and the new LLC owners could not be contacted. 

Did you find any prior knowledge (tenant screening) of pets moving in?

Residential investing is not rocket science, knowledge is not the issue: there are many good books out there that walk you through every detail you need to know.

His knowledge of the short-term rental market was invaluable in securing the right property.

.- Use local real estate agents who are familiar with investment properties to help you find the right deals.You're taking the right steps by seeking knowledge and networking.

I am considering getting into this space (looking at some courses), but worried that its too late, and that deep local market knowledge/understanding of buyers/connection with developers etc is required to make this work, which only incumbent/long term investors will have and would be hard for a new entrant starting from scratch to catch-up...is my hypothesis valid in your opinion ?

I am just looking for general knowledge here, nothing specific.