I'd recommend shopping local since local HMLs would be more likely to fund your deal.

Hit some meetups locally to get to know the market and know it really well to be a better skilled realtor to not just you but those other people out there that want to use you! 

Are you thinking of starting your investment journey locally in Virginia, or exploring other markets?

I also do post to local neighborhood groups on Facebook periodically but recently have cut down on my social media dramatically (too much drama, arguing, and general hatred towards one another.)That said, when you meet someone for the first time and they say, "What do you do for a living" I've (finally) pivoted to say, "I own a small real estate business" first (instead of after talking about my W2.) 

@Sandra Andrews I find investors from my "local" Cincinnati REIA on zoom meetings, note investing Facebook groups, note investing conferences.

After that, get out and meet some folks at the local meetups.

I am local in Arlington and do pay significantly less than $200/pier but I have developed a strong relationship with my foundation contractor and give him multiple jobs a year. 

Our local organizations do a lot - we have representatives meeting with council members, a professional PR firm to help change the narrative on STR's here on the islands, and we're working towards increasing our own lobbying power.

- what do your local laws allow, are there any restrictions

I'm renewing my LOC on one of my rentals with a local community bank through their commercial banking dept.