I also have to expand to more than just a 10 miles radius. 

There's easily another $10k worth of work needed on the outside without me even going inside the home. 

Identify markets with expanding industries, positive growth trends, and bright economic forecasts.Columbus, Ohio is a great market to consider if you're leaning towards appreciation.

Any tips that might help me expand my contacts and find some form of mentor would be immensely beneficial.4.

So, I plan to focus on expanding my network beyond his immediate circle and explore the other DFW meetups you mentioned.I appreciate the insights on typical deal entry fees and the current market conditions.

I'm trying to figure out the sweet spot between utilizing the space to expand my client base, while also not sounding too, spam/sales-y.

American Samoa, a population of 44k and easily accessible (nearly 10k miles away). 

Join real estate investor meetups, forums, and networking events to expand your knowledge and build relationships within the industry.Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence on any potential properties you're considering, including inspections, title searches, and financial analysis.

When you want to expand you can move into fix and flips or creative financing.

If this potential buyer were unscrupulous, they could easily contact the seller afterward so why do they need to be watched closely during the walk-through?