I grew up near Chatsworth but don't know any professionals out that way. 

Hi Brenden,I grew up and still live in Cleveland, OH.

(I grew up in Texas and went to school in NYC).

I actually grew up pretty close to Hartford and all my family still lives there but I am house hacking north of Boston and will likely stay here permanently.

Purchased my own rentals and grew my portfolio to over 7 figures.

I grew up in the town of Catskill.

The ones who have succeeded had a relative nearby in the area they were investing in, a child living in the home, or grew up in the area they invest in so they at least know it really well and know the difference between a good street and a bad one.

He grew up there.  

As a homeowner, you're already ahead of most people :) I grew up in CA and moved to Reno, NV to live and invest.

I grew up in the Milwaukee area, went away for school to The University of Iowa (Go Hawks), and now I am back and thrilled to be working in property management and helping people reach their real investment goals.