Are there areas you do not want to invest in because of travel time, lack of a network, or other life factors? 

We found private money from our network to close it and find end buyer who flipped it.

It seems like a great way to gain some hands-on insight and possibly start networking and working with some investor friendly agents.Building those connections with agents, wholesalers, and other investors for off-market deals is something I know will be key moving forward.

I liked the targeted networking sessions.  

Through our extensive network, the Old Hickory Blvd property became available, and we acted quickly.

@Peter FaulknerRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Introducing yourself on the forums here is a great step towards networking. 

Additionally, if there is anyone in or around Minnesota that has any state specific advice or contacts, I would love to get in touch to expand my network. 

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

It will definitely be in your favor to know the block by block areas because you can be on one street that has middle class working people and the next street over having riff raff.I'm in Delhi Township in the Westside if you ever want to network!