I've had my own Architectural Firm for over 40 years specializing in energy efficient, cost effective homes, I was the only guest speaker for a national training seminar teaching homeowners how to design and build an energy efficient home, I've been managing construction for more than 40 years (one way or another), and I put myself through college working in the field physically doing everything you need to be able to do to build anything.What do you want to chat about?

Then we have lunch (great food) and a speaker of the month discusses some aspect of Property Management.  

But for sure I agree with you on as stated local banks that hold their paper credit unions and other closely held lenders who service their own loans.PS I am at the J.Martin big BP event this weekend in Oakland.. you East coast guys should get one of these up and running.. there is over 300 people here over 3 days VERY good networking and speakers etc including yours Truly.. 

The meetups are usually the first Monday of each month.There are often guest speakers and opportunities to network with local agents, investors, contractors, property managers and attorneys. 

I found out about Bill Allen (7 Figure Flipping) from an online course that I purchased from Michael Zuber (One Rental at a Time), as Bill is a speaker in one of his Teachable segments. 

I have been to several where they will have a key note speaker about Buy and Hold, different strategies to obtain the properties, financing (conventional or portfolio loans) and cash out refinancing.

Great speakers..plenty of networking.Total Wealth Academy- https://totalwealthacademy.com/ Houston based group.

Pretty large group, good speakers and free food.

We probably won't have this speaker again. 

Not national speakers, not videos or books, just showing up when ever and where ever and doing it as a real estate broker first, then an investor.