So sorry for attempting to engage on this platform - clearly this is YOUR territory.  

While I’ve had a few frustrating issues with B of A, the convenience of their online platform, and their available services, have led me to stay.That being said, I’m willing to bet that the contractor has deposited quite a few checks that were returned for insufficient funds; stop payment; etc.  

At the time of purchase I was not expecting property appreciation, but based on my purchase price, I can't imagine seeing any appreciation, even after 15-20 years.Thanks Kelly,Did you post anywhere else that I might have missed so I can also reply on those platforms?

Are there specific networking events, online platforms, or strategies that have proven effective for building relationships with investors?

The area in your target country where you have a group of people dedicated to help you through acquisition and management of your rental trumps nearly every other consideration when trying to narrow down a location in my opinion. 

You've landed in the perfect platform to kickstart your networking and learning journey.

I will have a property or 3 that I've located,  found owner negotiating seller terms,   knowing I don't have the credit or capital or network for sourcing either,   I'd go to sites or platforms that want partners for 50 50 deals..   

Once it goes into effect on all the platforms it will likely become the de facto standard. 

Popup Meetup, LinkedIn, Facebook Groups and other online platforms can be helpful in this endeavor.

When you say "bids' (framing , foundation etc)do you mean you called a bunch of different subs and got estimates or is there a way to post it and get bids in that sense, on some platform?