Baltimore REIA is probably the closest to you.

Figure out the ideal property for you and analyze every deal until you the one closest to it.  

I know in the grandscheme I really need a mentor but the closest I have is BP.

Look at Hobby Millionaire - weekly meetings in Charlotte (closest one to you is in Steele Creek each Wednesday  7pm at IHOP of S Tryon).

But that doesn't mean a crash, or correction, is in some way related directly to real estate.During the "GFC" 3 of my closest friends worked at major financial insitutions, and I knew at least 20 people working at the banks. 

They had meetings a few months ago and said they would talk to us and our closest 3 neighbors in about what would happen in March.

The entertainment center is right by the front door, and the HDTV had a crack and no picture in the corner closest to the door. 

Because the leases are for 6 months, ST rental was the closest option

(military isn't bad, but new leases every year or so from what I've heard and very few casino workers as the closest one to yucca valley is 29 palms)I have found the area to be very misunderstood - as people driving by assume meth labs, sex offenders and neonazis  ---  when instead you find millionaire horse/animal lovers, older retirees who feel like they have found shangri-la, and an increasing amount of younger LGBT creative folks re-creating identity in the serenity of the desert. also, $15/hr minimum wage law is underway - going up $1 a year until $15 in 2020. 

If I could go back and tell my 20-year-old self anything it would be to buy a 3 bedroom house and rent out the rooms to 2 of my closest friends!