Any advice or recommendations of where to locate groups seeking similar goals would be greatly appreciated!

Your goals and what you're trying to accomplish.  

Southwestern Michigan offers plenty of charm and is a destination place but would definitely make sure your ROI makes sense based on your long- and short-term goals with the property.

You need a goal first. 

However, my true goal has always been to develop, buy, and manage real estate—something I’ve dreamed about since I was 12 years old.

Tenant does not want a rent raise so opts to move out. 

🙏☺️ I completely understand where you’re coming from & you’re right that owning real estate is a key step toward truly being an investor.I’m still new to the game, but I have a solid plan in place to move toward ownership & establish myself as a real estate investor.

The goal?

But if you feel like you can learn the same skills on your own through experience and other resources, saving that extra tuition for your first investment might be the better move.

Once you're ready, create a goal (e.g., "I will buy at least one single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex before the end of 2019") and then do it.