I am researching meet up groups here in the Chicagoland but, I am open to connect with others like myself (first-timers) and experienced investors over coffee!

I personally don’t see LP syndication investors as Real Estate investors.  

You received some good guidance here from other investors on the costs involved to legalize a basement unit.

BEING an investor (or a pregnant mother) is not.  

@Wale Lawal is the top investor agent in Houston

Commercial deals are going to look at your qualifications as an investor as well as the DSCR value of the property supporting itself (at least here in the USA).For construction, you will need to look into licensing requirements such as a GC license.

I plan to move down to Miami to be closer to more investors and a better quality of living.

@John Voychick As a fellow out-of-state investor, I feel your pain.

Quote from @Fumi Maher: Hello community,I am a new investor in the Austin area, TX and debating between two strategies.

Welcome @Bree JimenezI suggest looking into the North Carolina Real Estate Investors Association (NCREIA).