I would recommend attending local meet ups so you can talk to investors who buy in California as well as OOS.

Maybe there are networking events that I can attend.

I'm also from Detroit and currently looking for my first rental property and you're right, the forums are a great tool but I would also consider attending some local real estate events/seminars and networking with realtors!

I purchased it ($265,000) in 04/2022 for #2 son to live in while he attends college. 

100000% yesI similarly began attending meetups about 4 years ago.

I recently attended Note Expo 2022 this past weekend. 

I attended a seminar at a local REIA and they talked about using debt as a "weapon" to get out of debt faster (thus paying off your mortgage early).

Your resident might say they had to fly all over the country to attend meetings in person since their internet was out.  

I am attending an event they are having the end of October in Greenville SC.

Attend real estate workshops, engage with local investor groups, and absorb insights from experienced investors.