Build your network by joining local real estate investor meetups or online communities like BiggerPockets.

In 2022 the rents increased 12.1% year over year which was the 3rd highest in the entire country per https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/02/14/cleveland-rent-prices.

I am considering getting into this space (looking at some courses), but worried that its too late, and that deep local market knowledge/understanding of buyers/connection with developers etc is required to make this work, which only incumbent/long term investors will have and would be hard for a new entrant starting from scratch to catch-up...is my hypothesis valid in your opinion ?

Look into connecting with some local investors, they typically have meet-ups often and swap stories and different strategies.

My wife and I are real estate investors based in Katy, and I/we are looking to connect with local investors, real estate agents, property managers, and contractors in the area.

I think will find that out-of-state will be much more operationally challenged than local.

I used to do BRRRR strategy here but now only do flips and help with others' house hacking or flipping.I had to move my BRRRR strategy side of the business to Tyler Texas.Are you still investing locally or only out of state?

Local.

Hello My name is Aurelien Keutche fosso .I live in the greater Minnesota Rochester area I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor .thank you 

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.