Due to industry regulations I am unable to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds etc.

Cold call can be beneficial if you have your information ready.   

(and of course, real estate) If you have large taxable income, then the tax advantages of actively investing could be much more beneficial.

I've heard great things about the meetup from some mutual friends who are a member of his group - still need to get my schedule coordinated with the hubby to attend one!

There's a learning curve for investing in individual stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds. 

There is also something to be said for having a hedge, some degree of diversification, as @Tara Wright has noted.I think you can find 5 or 6 really super proven flippers, right here in Houston or wherever you live, and go in with them as private lenders and probably outperform average returns from any mutual fund you might own. 

I only listen to Biggerpockets podcast while driving now, and in my down time when I used to watch mindless television I am watching youtube videos, practicing running numbers, checking COMPS, and trying to prepare to the best of my ability to not come off like a complete and total amateur when I approach one of you lenders on here with a deal I firmly believe will be mutually beneficial. 

That was my first investment property, and it will be very beneficial for not much more work than a duplex. 

Noticing a consistent rise in Holyoke multi-family property values, I thought it would be beneficial to ask if others share the same like-minded opinion?

Undoubtedly it is beneficial in the REI world, but definitely isn't necessary.