They have a monthly meet up.

Unlike banks, which offer limited loan options, brokers have access to a wide network of lenders, including niche and non-traditional financing sources.Here’s what they do:Assess your financial situation to determine your borrowing power.Compare multiple loan products to find the most favorable terms.Negotiate rates and terms with lenders on your behalf.Guide you through the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements.Example: Suppose you have a lower credit score or unconventional income sources.

Meet with financial advisers/wealth managers and see what other options other than real estate there are and how to best allocate / diversify. ie have you maxed out your TFSA?

Find a good lender, get pre approved, make sure you practice running the #'s using the 100's of videos and guides from BP, find an investor friendly Realtor, and then start making offers on any property that meets your goal.

Suburbs to the east, like Ooltewah and Collegedale, are more affordable—if you’re lucky, you can find homes that are right around your budget.Deals that meet the 1% rule are likewise present in the market, but again, you’ll probably have to do some digging.

Now if it was me, I would have gone over myself to initially survey the problem and at the least meet the plumber over there to assess the damage.  

I don't recommend throwing the baby out with the bath water, and definitely make sure you understand the nature of the Mentor you choose.BP is a great resource to meet some amazing people. 

Also, local meetups are a great way to meet local investors!

I'd also like to invite you to join THE MTR Connect, a group I host that meets virtually every Friday from noon - 1:30pm EST.

I'd highly recommend attending some local reia meetings.