My local cable, internet, cell and utility companies are already using it to field calls and answer questions online and phone.

You don’t even have to attend some conferences, some will publish a list of their speakers and/or attendees and you could simply reach out directly after researching their firms online.

If you want to understand 5-year outlook, I'd look for multifamily construction data in your area to understand what level of new units is and will be coming online in the near future. 

I've used an online designer before, you send her photos, measurements of the room and existing furniture, and your budget and she presents you with design options and the links to buy!

Learn and Network:Learn as much as you can about house flipping by using online resources, books, or courses.

Sometimes you get lucky.You could even bring up the subject of seller financing (search online for ideas of how to structure a seller financed offer), and make sure a competent real estate attorney helps write the offer documents (if it gets that far). 

Networking with local real estate groups or online forums could help you find recommendations for PM companies that have a proven track record in Birmingham 

But this was late 90s so way before on line stuff had taken off.

If they are available online or in person.

There's also free services for tenants to pay their rent online which include some light accounting features.